LSM Newswire

Thursday, July 31, 2008

The Calgary International Film Festival Announces Partnership With Hot Docs

The Calgary International Film Festival Announces Partnership With Hot DocsCalgary, AB ĺ─ý The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) is pleased to announce that it has partnered with the Hot Docs documentary film festival to launch the immensely popular Doc Soup screening series in Calgary this fall.

ĺ─˙Weĺ─˘re thrilled to have these dynamic partners helping us to cultivate wider Canadian audiences for documentaries,ĺ─¨ says Chris McDonald, executive director of Hot Docs. ĺ─˙Both festivals have developed loyal followings and weĺ─˘re certain that theyĺ─˘ll embrace Doc Soup as Toronto audiences have done.ĺ─¨

Launched in 2001, Hot Docĺ─˘s monthly Doc Soup screenings have become must-attend events for Torontoĺ─˘s film-loving public. Running October to April, the series showcases the latest Canadian and international documentaries. Past Toronto editions has featured such notable Academy Award-nominated films as Capturing the Friedmans, Jesus Camp and No End In Site. As an added bonus, guest directors are in attendance at select screenings to introduce their films and engage in post-screening questions and answer sessions with audiences. With well over 1,000 subscribers and hundreds more single ticket buyers, Doc Soup screenings regularly sell out.

ĺ─˙This is a fantastic new opportunity for Calgarians to experience a diverse range of non-fiction work,ĺ─¨ says Jacqueline Dupuis, executive director of CIFF. ĺ─˙Weĺ─˘re very excited to be working with Hot Docs to bring ground-breaking documentary films to Calgary on a year-round basis.ĺ─¨

Films selected for Doc Soup in Calgary and Vancouver will be premieres in those markets and guest directors will also be present at select screenings. Documentaries will be programmed by Sean Farnel, Hot Docsĺ─˘ director of programming, and his team, in consultation with CIFF. To ensure the best available selection, Doc Soup films are programmed and announced a month prior to their screenings.

Calgaryĺ─˘s Doc Soup will run from November to April. Tentative screening dates are: November 5, January 7, February 4, March 4, April 1 and May 6 (no screening in December). All screenings will take place at the Cineplex theatre at Eau Claire Market.

Subscriptions for all three Doc Soup series are currently available at www.docsoup.ca.

Subscription packages come with six free bonus admissions to films during CIFF. Limited quantities are available. Single tickets will also be sold for Doc Soup screenings, subject to availability.About CIFFFounded in 1998, the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) is a charitable, not-for-profit, cultural organization based in Alberta, Canada. Inspired by the pioneering spirit and maverick ideals of the community, CIFF showcases films that break traditional boundaries and forge new cinematic ground. CIFF celebrates an unparalleled breadth and depth of cultural diversity through the meaningful, accessible, and artistic medium of film and engages thousands of artists to showcase the best films from filmmakers in over 100 countries around the world. CIFF is held annually at the end of September, screening over 200 films and hosting several gala events, awards, and special presentations. For more information visit www.calgaryfilm.com.About Hot DocsHot Docs, North America's largest documentary festival, conference and market, will present its 16th annual edition from April 30 ĺ─ý May 10, 2009. An outstanding selection of 170+ documentaries from Canada and around the world will be presented to Toronto audiences and international delegates. Hot Docs will also mount a full roster of conference sessions and market events and services for documentary practitioners, including the renowned Toronto Documentary Forum, May 6 & 7, and The Doc Shop. For more information, please visit www.hotdocs.ca.

TSMF's Ariadne auf Naxos

TORONTO SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Festival continues to garner critical acclaim

Strauss's opera Ariadne auf Naxos set to launch in two weeks

The 2008 Toronto Summer Music Festival continues to bask in the success of its third season after a first week of performances featuring virtuoso pianist Andrłę Laplante, international award-winning duo Mayumi Seiler, violin, and Tł║nde Kurucz, piano, and vocal Baroque authorities Suzie LeBlanc, soprano, and Daniel Taylor, countertenor. Ken Winters of the Globe and Mail writes: "The festival - concerts by major performers (and Academy faculty members) - is tapping deeply into a desirous public ordinarily abandoned during these months."

As part of the four-week festival a fully staged opera, Ariadne auf Naxos, featuring a double cast comprised of 18 singers from across the world, will take place from August 14-17, 2008. One of the most difficult operas written for the human voice, Ariadne auf Naxos by Richard Strauss is staged by prolific Austrian stage director Titus Hollweg (son of legendary tenor Werner Hollweg) and conducted by the Festival's Artistic Director Agnes Grossmann, who have worked together previously on Ariadne auf Naxos, and accompanied by the National Academy Orchestra.

"We received more than a hundred international applications from the highest caliber of emerging artists," said Grossmann. "It was exciting to hear these amazing artists and musicians and it enabled us to handpick a cast that includes some of the best singers from Canada and abroad."

A lecture the day before the opera by renowned Strauss expert, Bryan Gilliam, will give context to the story of Ariadne auf Naxos. Iain Scott returns this year for pre-opera talks on August 14, 15, and 16. The Festival culminates with "A Day at the Opera" which introduces opera lovers to Ariadne auf Naxos with a performance by master storyteller Clayton Scott, followed by a hands-on clay workshop at the Gardiner Museum, and concluding with the final opera performance of the TORONTO SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Of Mice and Men, Montreal Theatre Ensemble, Aug. 28-Sept. 13

Of Mice and Men

Thursday, August 28 Č˝ Saturday, September 13, 2008

George: "We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us. "

Lennie: "Because I got you to look after meČÍ and you got me to look after you."

Montreal, July 2008- Montreal Theatre Ensemble (MTE), in association with the John Abbott College Department of Theatre and Music, is excited to present their fourth production, Of Mice and Men, by Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck, playing at the Casgrain Theatre from August 27 to September 13. MTE is dedicated to providing quality work experience for professionally trained, emerging theatre artists. This production also marks the inaugural mentor initiative, the Stage Two series.

Of Mice and Mentells the heartrending story of George Milton and Lennie Small, two displaced migrantranch workers in Great Depression-era California. George and his friend Lennie, with delusions of living off the "fat of the land," have just arrived at a ranch to work for enough money to buy their own place. Lennie is a man-child in the body of a dangerously powerful man. When tragedy strikes, it's obvious that Lennie, though unintentionally, is responsible. George is faced with how to handle the situation before the ranchers take matters into their own hands. The title is taken from Robert Burns' poem, To a Mouse- "The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry."

Director Terry Donald (2008 winner of Black Theatre Workshop's Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Award) explains his choice of this classic piece, "A well-written story exposes to a great level, the human condition." He continues, "With a writer of Steinbeck's calibre, both the actor and audience learn about themselves." As Artistic Director of MTE, one of Terry's ideas for the company is to give up-and-coming actors a chance to sink their teeth into a variety of roles, some of which they may not otherwise have an opportunity to play. He is delighted with the wonderfully, surprising results this often brings.

Rebecca Croll (Curley's Wife) talks about how Steinbeck's play resonates with today's audience, "A recession is growing all around us as the price of gas goes up, homes get repossessed and unemployment skyrockets. We are verging on another depression where the luxuries of life are no longer an option for many." She continues, "I think people will forget that this is a story they grew up with and will be there with us in the moment." Christopher Moore (Curley) sees the piece as depicting The American Dream of owning a home, regardless of time period, race, sex, etc., "In Of Mice and Men, everyone is a dreamer, and to some degree, is yearning after something more."

Originally formed by graduates of the John Abbott College Theatre Program, MTE now promotes the careers of a new generation of young professionals from various accredited theatre training programs.Previous productions include Miller's A View from the Bridge, Wertenbaker'sOur Country's Good and Mastrosimone'sThe Woolgatherer.

This season, the John Abbott College Department of Theatre and Music embarks on a new venture by launching its Stage Two series. In an attempt to expose students in the College's Professional Theatre Program to the world outside their training environment, the Department will be hosting visiting theatre companies who will share their experience and open their rehearsals to the present theatre students. Students have access to the whole professional theatre process and can choose to gain experience working on various production aspects. The first visiting company will be the Montreal Theatre Ensemble. MTE has also donated money to the Department in the past and hopes to continue this in an ongoing scholarship.

"Ain't many guys travel around together. Maybe everybody in the whole damn world is scared of each other." -Slim

Canada Council Music Prizes Announced

Tyler Duncan, Michelle Yelin Nam and Jean-Philippe Sylvestre win Canada Council for the Arts music prizes

Ottawa, July 29, 2008 ĺ─ý Baritone Tyler Duncan and pianists Michelle Yelin Nam and Jean-Philippe Sylvestre are this yearĺ─˘s winners of Canada Council for the Arts prizes for young Canadian musicians.

Originally from Prince George (BC), Tyler Duncan is the winner of the $5,000 Bernard Diamant Prize, which offers professional Canadian classical singers under age 35 an opportunity to pursue their careers through further studies. The prize was created in 2001 with funds from a generous bequest to the Canada Council by the late Bernard Diamant, as well as through memorial gifts from a number of his friends, colleagues and former voice students. It is awarded in addition to a regular Canada Council grant to an outstanding young classical singer in the Councilĺ─˘s annual competition for Grants to Professional Musicians, classical music category.

Edmonton resident Michelle Yelin Nam is this yearĺ─˘s winner of the $15,000 Sylva Gelber Foundation Award, established in 1981 by the late Sylva Gelber of Ottawa. Ms. Gelber had a passion for music to which she gave expression in various ways throughout her life. In the late 1970s she established the Sylva M. Gelber Music Foundation which helps young musicians to embark on a professional career. The award is given to the most talented candidate under age 30 in the Councilĺ─˘s annual competition for Grants to Professional Musicians, classical music category.

Jean-Philippe Sylvestre of Montreal is the winner of the 2008 Virginia Parker Prize. Worth $25,000, the prize was established in 1982 by Virginia Parker Moore. Moved by her profound love of music and the recognition that talented young musicians need such a prize to help them take a leap forward in their careers, the late Mrs. Moore established the prize for performers of classical music under age 32 , who demonstrate outstanding talent and musicianship.

Images of the winners can be downloaded from the Canada Council image gallery. For a list of previous winners of these prizes, visit our web site at www.canadacouncil.ca/prizes.

Tyler Duncan, baritone

Originally from Prince George (BC), baritone Tyler Duncan carries degrees in music from the University of British Columbia, the Hochschule fuer Musik Augsburg and the Hochschule fuer Musik und Theater in Munich where he studied at the August Everding Bavarian Theatre Academy and studied song interpretation. His versatile voice enables him to sing lieder, opera and oratorio spanning from Monteverdi to Mozart to modern music.

Mr. Duncanĺ─˘s performances have taken him throughout Europe and North America. Some highlights include his Carnegie Hall debut, Handel's La Resurrezione for the Handel Festival in Halle, the High Priest in the Strauss adaptation of Mozart's Idomeneo at the Richard Strauss Festival in Garmisch Partenkirchen, and Bach's Christmas Oratorio Tafelmusik in Toronto. He often performs with pianist Erika Switzer giving recitals in Canada, Germany, Sweden, France and South Africa. Radio recordings can often be heard on the CBC and BR (Bavarian Radio) as well as a recent performance on WGBH Boston. He recently won the 2008 Oratorio Society of New York's Lyndon Woodside Solo Competition. In the 2008/2009 season, his performances will include John Blowĺ─˘s Venus and Adonis for the Boston Early Music Festival, Haydnĺ─˘s Creation with Orchestre symphonique de Qułębec, and Bachĺ─˘s Ich habe genug with Symphony Nova Scotia. www.tylerduncan.ca

Michelle Yelin Nam, pianist

Canadian Korean pianist Michelle Yelin Nam debuted professionally with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in 2006. She has completed her undergraduate studies at McGill University and is currently pursuing her Masterĺ─˘s degree at the Juilliard School. Since 2006, she has received scholarships from Anne Burrows Fund, Winspear Foundation. She is in demand as soloist in Canada and abroad. Praised for her ĺ─˙silvery clarity,ĺ─¨ (Montreal Gazette) she has been described as playing ĺ─˙in the manner of the greats, before reaching their ageĺ─¨ (La Presse).

Ms. Nam recently won the grand prize at the Orchestre Symphonique de Montrłęal Standard Life Competition (2006) and has since played regularly with the OSM, under the conducting of Heinrich Schiff and Jacques Lacombe. She was featured in a DVD for CBC Records and has had solo appearances at the House of Jeunesses Musicales of Canada (2007) and Orford Art center (2008). In May 2009, she will work with the OSM and perform Mozart Triple Piano Concerto under the direction of Kent Nagano along with Andrłę Laplante and Alain Lefł«vre, and will also interpret a world premiere of a commissioned concerto by Jacques Hłętu.

Jean-Philippe Sylvestre, pianist

Sainte-Julie pianist Jean-Philippe Sylvestre, 26, came to recognition in 2000, winning first prize at the Montreal Symphony Competition and the Peopleĺ─˘s Choice Award. The next year, he won second prize at the CBC Young Performer Competition. Since then, Jean-Philippe continued to win awards such as first prize in the Canadian Music Competition and many concerto competitions including the Orchestre Symphonique de la Montłęrłęgie, Glenn Gould Schoolĺ─˘s Concerto Competition and Concertino Praga Competition. Recently, Mr. Sylvestre won first prize at the Concours des Journłęes de la Musique Franł▀aise. ĺ─˙ĺ─Âthe young Sylvestre already possesses a complete technique, an extremely powerful playing with a great sonority" (Claude Gingras, Montrealĺ─˘s La Presse).

He has appeared at such venues as the Concertgebouw, Salle Wilfrid Pelletier and Salle Pierre-Mercure, Bradshawĺ─˘s Amphitheatre, George Weston Hall and Ottawaĺ─˘s NAC and performed with the Montreal Symphony, Orchestre Metropolitan, Longueuil, Trois-Rivił«re and Royal Conservatory Orchestra. Jean-Philippe has been broadcast by BravoTV, CBC and SRC. A graduate of łÔcole de musique Vincent-dĺ─˘Indy and University of Montreal, he obtained a Bachelor and an Artist Diploma from Torontoĺ─˘s Glenn Gould School. He studied at the International Accademia Pianistica in Italy. Equally comfortable in jazz, he lives in Berlin, studying with Louis Lortie. www.jeanphilippesylvestre.com

General information

In addition to its principal role of promoting and fostering the arts, the Canada Council for the Arts administers and awards many prizes and fellowships in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural and health sciences, engineering, and arts management. These prizes and fellowships recognize the achievements of outstanding Canadian artists, scholars, and administrators. The Canada Council for the Arts is committed to raising public awareness and celebration of these exceptional people and organizations on both a national and international level.

Please visit our website (www.canadacouncil.ca) for a complete listing of these awards.

TSO Now or Never Sale is back!

THE TORONTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Announces the return of the Now or Never Sale

Tickets Only $39!

10 Days Only! Begins Friday, August 8

After the tremendous success of the first ever online seat sale last year, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) announced today their next seat sale designed to offer music fans flexible and affordably priced subscription packages. In 2007, 7995 tickets were sold in one week and about 67% of the patrons who bought through the sale were new customers!

And now the Now or Never Sale is back! For 10 days only, beginning Friday, August 8, at midnight, and ending on Friday, August 18, at noon, TSO concerts will be priced at only $39 each for patrons who purchase a series with a minimum of three-concerts of their choice. This represents a savings of up to 70% on regular priced tickets!

The $39 seat sale is available online. Patrons can mix and match available concerts in all categories including Masterworks, Light Classics, Pops, Kids, and Casual Concerts, and must purchase a minimum of three separate concert dates in one online transaction at tso.ca.

The initiative is based on a successful model used by leading North American orchestras to find a profitable solution to the lull between the end of the subscription campaign period and the beginning of single ticket sales.

Audience development studies have shown that the two major barriers to non-renewing or potential subscribers were time and cost, especially for younger demographics. The flexible three-concert package is designed to capture the attention of this generation who desire control over their busy schedules and are less inclined to commit to five concerts some 14 months in advance. The three-concert buyer makes less of an initial commitment, and has the flexibility to upgrade to full subscriber status at any time.

The TSO online seat sale is an excellent opportunity for music lovers to hear international superstars like pianists Lang Lang and Radu Lupu, violinists Pinchas Zukerman and Midori, and celebrated maestros like Charles Dutoit and Yannick Nłęzet-Słęguin for only $39.

Seats will be allocated on a "best available" basis while quantities last. Patrons will receive TSO subscriber benefits including ticket exchanges and no service charges on additional tickets. As quantities are limited, the TSO advises to act early!

ČůAugust 24: Belliniĺ─˘s Norma, opera in concert version with the OSM and Kent Nagano

Montreal, July 28, 2008 ĺ─ý The Orchestre symphonique de Montrłęalĺ─˘s summer gets under way on July 30 with the Mozart Plus series at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier in Place des Arts, in the very heart of the entertainment district. The series, which has enjoyed great success for over 25 years, offers music lovers four concerts, two of them conducted by Maestro Kent Nagano, on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 from July 30 to August 20.

Coloratura soprano Sumi Jo, pianists Stephen Kovacevich and Jean-Philippe Collard, conductor Jean-Franł▀ois Rivest and violinist Andrew Wan, Grand Prize winner in the 2007 OSM Standard Life Competition, will be featured guests. On the program, some of Mozartĺ─˘s best-loved works and great classics like Ravelĺ─˘s La Valse, Bizetĺ─˘s Lĺ─˘Arlłęsienne and Prokofievĺ─˘s First Symphony, the ĺ─˙Classicalĺ─¨ ĺ─ý some of the highpoints in this edition of a series that has become an essential element of our cultural summer.

In its open-air summertime series, OSM / Loto-Qułębec Concerts in the Parks, the Orchestre symphonique de Montrłęal is offering the public three free concerts: a concert at the Parc des Faubourgs in the borough of Ville-Marie in Montreal (corner of Ontario and De Lorimier), on August 7; another on August 9 at the Sportplexe George Springate in the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro in Montrłęal; and a third on August 12 at Parc de lĺ─˘łÚle des Moulins in Terrebonne. For the second summer in a row, host and actor Andrłę Robitaille is the spokesman and host of these concerts, which are under the direction of Jean-Franł▀ois Rivest, the OSMĺ─˘s conductor in residence.

Tango music performed by the group Quartango will have pride of place at these evenings, which will also present well-known works by Mozart, Mendelssohn and Johann Strauss.Quartango has conquered audiences all over Canada and in the United States, as well as in Tokyo, Taipei, Paris and Słúo Paulo. The band also delighted spectators when they performed with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, as well as with the Orchestre symphonique de Qułębec and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa. The series of four concerts they gave with the Orchestre symphonique de Montrłęal attracted close to 60,000 people.

The Festival Bel Canto takes us to the banks of BromeLake, in a rustic and cozy setting where six concerts spread out over two weekends will be presented under a tent accommodating 600 concert-goers. Two concert-version performances of the opera Norma, the masterpiece of Vincenzo Bellini, will be presented on Sunday, August 17 and 24, at 3 p.m. Mezzo-soprano Jennifer Larmore and pianist Antoine Palloc will launch the Festival on August 15 at 8 p.m., in a recital with piano. On August 16 at 8 p.m., soprano June Anderson and four young singers from the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia will take the stage with the OSM and Kent Nagano to perform some of the most beautiful arias and ensembles of Rossini and Donizetti.

The coloratura soprano Sumi Jo, meanwhile, will be the star of an evening devoted to Mozart, Rossini, Donizetti and Bellini under the direction of Kent Nagano on August 22 at 8 p.m. This concert will also be presented in Montreal on August 20 as part of the Mozart Plus series, again under Kent Nagano. On August 23, on a more popular note, well-known singer Gino Vannelli will do a show that includes excerpts from his most recent album, entitled ĺ─˙Canto,ĺ─¨ with the Orchestre symphonique de Sherbrooke under the direction of Stłęphane Laforest. Numerous free events will also be presented during the week in the framework of Festival Bel Canto.

Finally, the Orchestre symphonique de Montrłęal will be performing as well on August 2 as part of the Festival de Lanaudił«re, in the Joliette amphitheatre. Kent Nagano will conduct the celebrated Verdi Requiem. In addition to the OSM Chorus, four soloists ĺ─ý Sondra Radvanovsky, soprano, Elena Maximova, mezzo-soprano, Arturo Chacłän-Cruz, tenor, and John Relyea, bass ĺ─ý will take part in what is a legendary work in the vocal repertoire.

Canada Council for the Arts releasesAuditor General's Special Examination Report

In its first special examination of the Canada Council for the Arts, the Office of the Auditor General of Canada reports the Council is doing a good job of managing its affairs, announced the Board of the Council today.

The special examination found that the Council's systems and practices in "grant management, governance, strategic planning, performance measurement and reporting and human resources provide it with reasonable assurance that its assets are safeguarded and controlled, that its resources are managed economically and efficiently, and that its operations are carried out effectively."

The Auditor General concluded that the Council's "systems and practices had no significant deficiencies. In fact, the Canada Council's systems and practices have contributed to its success in several areas."

Friday, July 25, 2008

Artsy Fartsy at Theatre Ste Catherine

Theatre Ste. Catherine presents it's own version of Artsy Fartsy in a weekly variety show hosted by indie-comedy darling, Aubrey Tennant.

Eclectic, electric and just plain wacky.From boy bands to drag queens, from burlesque to boylesque, from stand-up to sit down - comedy all around wrapped up in a weekly show guaranteed to tickle your trunk.

Each week will surprise youĺ─Â buckle in because you never know what or who will be on stage.It's not your typical variety show.

MONTRłÔAL, July 24, 2008 ĺ─ý In conjunction with the Here Be Monsters exhibition, the ChłóteauRamezayMuseum will host a formal gathering between the Tambours et Fifres La Fayette and the Compagnie Franche de la Marine groups on Sunday, August 3 at 10:00 a.m.

Accompanied by the sounds of fifes and drums, the two regiments have planned a meeting with History. The Compagnie Franche de la Marine was sent to New-France in 1683 to protect the French colony. This regiment was involved in all the armed disputes until Montrealĺ─˘s surrender. After the defeat, several soldiers settled in the colony.

Proud representatives of the musical tradition and the maritime history of France, dressed in the Corps Royal de la Marine de Rochefort uniform (1772), the Tambours et Fifres La Fayette group will commemorate La Fayetteĺ─˘s voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to help fight with the American insurgents during the American Revolutionary War. The Rochefort Group is in Qułębec to take part in the Fłüte des chants de marins de Saint-Jean-Port-Joli from August 14 to 17, 2008.

Upon meeting, the two regiments will exchange flags which will symbolize the fraternity established between the two regiments and, what is more, the two countries. A military parade, several musical demonstrations and honorary salvos will conclude this memorable gathering that will begin at 10:00 a.m., in the ChłóteauRamezayMuseumĺ─˘s gardens.

This is a meeting with history that you cannot miss!

Reminder that this event has been organized in combination with the La Fłüte des chants de marins de Saint-Jean-Port-Joli and the StewartMuseum. The Here Be Monsters exhibition is presented at the ChłóteauRamezayMuseum until October 19, 2008 and has been adapted from an exposition created by La Corderie Royale ĺ─ý Centre International de la mer łŢ Rochefort.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

TSMF continues until August 17, 2008

TORONTO SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Elegant start to the Festival by pianist Andrłę Laplante;

more of the world's top interpretive artists still to comeČń

After the brilliant opening concert of the 2008 Toronto Summer Music Festival, with Canadian pianist Andrłę Laplante at the historic Carlu, John Terauds of the Toronto Star wrote: "Laplante made magic as he performed Romantic pieces that are at the core of his specialty Čń There was even more magic in the air, as the 1,000-strong audience gathered at the Carlu Čń But there is much more inspirational music-making on offer to August 17 at the festival."

The Festival, now in its third year, runs until August 17 at various venues in Toronto. Artistic Director Agnes Grossmann's concept of programming an entire festival around a central theme, In the Fire of Conflict, is an innovative way to engage artists and audience in a spiritual and aesthetic conversation that creates an intense musical experience.

On August 5, MUSIC AND DANCE features dynamic cellist and Grammy-award winner, Denise Djokic, who will be joined by dance phenomenon Peggy Baker and percussionist Ryan Scott. The program pushes the barriers of convention in a sonic soundscape with the world premiere of In the Fire of Conflict, fusing classical music with elements of hip hop and play-back rapping, adding to the performance a new, younger sensibility.

PRESSLER AND FRIENDS, on August 9, brings pianist Menahem Pressler to the forefront. Honoured as one of the greatest chamber musicians of all time by the Concertgebouw and celebrated for his lifetime achievements by governments and cultural organizations around the world, Pressler will be accompanied by string superstars violinist Alexander Kerr, violist Roberto Diaz, and cellist Paul Watkins for a stellar piano quartet.

The four-week festival concludes with four fully-staged performances of Richard Strauss's Ariadne auf Naxos, conducted by Maestra Agnes Grossmann with stage direction by Titus Hollweg. Artistic Director and conductor Agnes Grossmann is one of the very few women on the international conducting circuit. She has just completed an extensive conducting tour of Asia and Italy, and is also the only woman to have held the position of Artistic Director of the Vienna Boys' Choir (during their 500th anniversary celebrations). Stage Director Titus Hollweg, son of famous tenor Werner Hollweg, is well known in the European opera world and has collaborated with Agnes Grossmann on a previous production of Ariadne auf Naxos, after initially meeting her as a young artist while singing with the Vienna Boys' Choir.

For a full listings or all concerts, master classes, and lectures, visit www.torontosummermusic.com.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Leon Fleisher turns 80, Keeping the Magic

LEON FLEISHER TURNS 80, KEEPING THE MAGIC80th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS AS FLEISHER EMBARKS ON MAJOR INTERNATIONAL TOUR

A Birthday Salute: SONY BMG Masterworks Digitally Releases Early Recordings Previously Available Only on LP

Fleisher's World Premiere Recording of Hindemith's "Klaviermusik mit Orchester" Scheduled for Release in Spring 2009 on Ondine Records"Right on! The career of Leon Fleisher has no parallel." ĺ─ý Dan Green, Piano Magazine

NEW YORK July 23, 2008 ĺ─ý Beloved Maestro Leon Fleisher turns 80 years old today and the world is celebrating his octogenarian status. He first brings the magic to his adopted city of Baltimore July 24-25, conducting and performing an all-Mozart program with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to kick off a major-city U.S. tour, followed by dates around the world throughout the 2008-09 season. He fills concert halls with generations of fans, there to witness history and the incomparable talents of a nonpareil figure in the pantheon of musical greats.

On July 29, Sony BMG Masterworks will release for the first time in digital format six full-length recordings, made during the first treasured decade ĺ─ý between 1954 and 1963 ĺ─ý of Fleisher's exceptional career. Originally signed to Columbia Masterworks in 1954, Fleisher created a catalog and, in retrospect, documented history in the following early recordings, which are now being released in full:

These six albums will be available from iTunes and other DSPs. Physical CDs are available only through ArkivMusic. iTunes is the only digital vendor to carry each album's original cover art and liner notes reformatted in a new digital booklet, which will also be available with the burn-on-demand CDs.

Fleisher has garnered significant coverage in the New York Times, Associated Press, Washington Post, Reader's Digest, and on CBS and ABC, among other major media outlets. He is the subject of the documentary film Two Hands (Nathaniel Kahn) ĺ─ý nominated in 2006 for an Academy Award. In December Fleisher became a Kennedy Center Honoree at the 30th annual celebration of the arts, in company with Steve Martin, Martin Scorcese, Diana Ross and Brian Wilson. Caroline Kennedy recognized him as a "a piano prodigy from the Golden Gate who rose to the heights, embraced adversity and became a musician for all seasons."

Fleisher's 1963 stereo recording of the Brahms Piano Quintet in F Minor with the Juilliard String Quartet, which was offered complete earlier this year as a bonus download with Masterworks' two-disc compilation The Essential Leon Fleisher, will join five titles that restore to the catalog Fleisher's early solo recital recordings. Although select, individual works from these releases were featured previously on Philips' two-disc set devoted to Fleisher in the Great Pianists of the 20th Century series and on other Sony Classical reissues, this is the first time these recordings have been available complete in the digital era.

The birthday festivity will continue throughout the coming year. In spring 2009, Ondine Records will release Fleisher's world premił«re recording of Paul Hindemith's Klaviermusik mit Orchester with Christoph Eschenbach conducting the Curtis Symphony Orchestra. Commissioned by Paul Wittgenstein and written in 1923 for piano left hand and orchestra, only to be discovered in 2002, Fleisher performed the acclaimed 2004 world premił«re in Berlin. This past April, the piece was recorded live in concert at Philadelphia's Verizon Hall paired with Dvorł░k's Symphony No. 9 ("From the New World"). Executive producer of the recording is Kevin Kleinmann, formerly vice president of PolyGram/Universal Classics.

The extraordinary renaissance of Fleisher's career has been documented extensively, and became widely publicized around his "comeback" albumĺ─ţthe critically acclaimed Two Handsĺ─ţhis first two-hand solo piano recording released in 2004. The album went on to hold a top 5 Billboard Chart position and is a hit worldwide. The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Billboard, Gramophone Magazine and many others have hailed it as one of the top recordings of its year, in any genre.

La SCENA announces Launch of 2nd season

Montreal most exciting new magazine begins its 2nd year with a bang. With its new, perfectly bound format, and the ability to get the exclusive interviews (Gradimir Pankov, Denys Arcand, Simon Brault, Michał┤lle Jean and Jean-Daniel Lafond), in its first year La SCENA has already proven itself to be a relevant and active defender of the arts. This September, for our Fall Arts Preview, our featured exclusive interviewee is the world-renowned tenor Plł░cido Domingo, who has in recent years added conductor and arts administrator to his hectic schedule. Examine the worldĺ─˘s first Andy Warhol exhibit highlighting the fundamental role of music in his work, from his portraits of Elvis to his cover illustration for Tchaikovskyĺ─˘s Swan Lake. Weĺ─˘re also celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Montreal Childrenĺ─˘s Theatre and the 10th International Marionette Festival. The La SCENA Fall Arts Preview issue is scheduled to be 100+ pages, the largest such issue in Montreal.

Included in La SCENA is the September issue of La Scena Musicale, which will feature a special dossier on the organ: including coverage of The Canadian International Organ Competition (coming to Montreal October 8-19), the art of organ building, the classical organ repertoire and an article on Olivier Messiaen. Our Puccini series continues with an analysis by Renłę Champigny of the composer's opera "La Fanciulla del West". As well, we guide you through buying and tuning a piano and look at the ever-changing evolution of music teaching, from Orff to Suzuki.

We are accepting ad bookings for our September issue of La SCENA / La Scena Musicale
This issue is ideal for back to school instrument and art supply sales, music and arts season subscription drives, choral auditions (see our choral guide), music and art courses and much more. Please note that our deadlines are one week earlier this year (see below for more info).

Our 2008-2009 publishing schedule is now available: 4 issues of La SCENA and 6 issues of stand-alone La Scena Musicale (2 of these are national issues) plus 2 issue of The Music Scene Ontario. For more info on rates and production please visit http://ads.scena.org

Yours sincerely,

Wah Keung Chan
Founding Publisher and EditorLa Scena Musicale
La SCENA
The Music Scene for our 2008-2009 schedule or contact our sales department directly at 514-948-0509 or sales@scena.org (Special Fall Arts and Music Preview) until August 15, which will be coming out in time for back to school: August 26, 2008. We will also continue our direct targeted distribution to the affluent neighbourhoods of Montreal (10,000 copies), thereby ensuring our magazine gets in the hands of readers by September 1st.

La Scena Musicale has proven to be a leader in providing music and arts information. Visit http://guides.scena.org for our list of guides for 2008-2009
New LSM Online Features:

We are proud to unveil the LSM Blog (www.scena.org/blog), the ideal place to check out commentary and news on music and arts in Canada and around the world. Our writers will be posting regularly to keep you up to date on the latest developments.

Weĺ─˘d also like to tell you about our new free service: LSM Newswire. E-mail your press release to newswiresubmit@scena.org and we will post it in our newswire page ww.scena.org/blog/newswire. We will also put a direct link to your press release in the ĺ─˙LSM Newswireĺ─¨ section at the bottom of our home page.

Please note that you must email your press release in the body of the email. No attachments please.

Want to reach the affluent, sophisticated, urban 35+ demographic or professional and student musicans and artists?

La Scena Musicale invites you into the lives of 100,000 highly educated Canadians with sophisticated taste in culture and lifestyle. Our readers are passionate about music, dance, theatre, film and visual arts, as well as food, fashion and their homes.

With over 15 years of experience sourcing marketing materials from printers across Canada, LSM can help you access the best available printing prices. Invest the money you save on better advertising ĺ─˛real estateĺ─˘ (larger ads and/or better ad positioning) in LSM through its varied media product offering.

Join LSM in Toronto for two outstanding operas! Thanks to the Canadian Opera Company, weĺ─˘re inviting 40 people to see Mozartĺ─˘s Don Giovanni and Prokofievĺ─˘s War and Peace on October 25 and 26. Contact info@scena.org for ticket prices and other information.

Win a Pair of Season Tickets to Lĺ─˘Opłęra Montrłęalĺ─˘s 2008-2009 Season!

Just email a list of friends or family who might be interested in La Scena Musicale to gcerallo@scena.org or via mail to La Scena Musicale 5409 rue Waverly, Montrłęal, QC, H2T 2X8. Be sure to include their phone number or address! For each name submitted your name will be entered into our Grand Prize draw, taking place September 7, for 2 season tickets to Lĺ─˘Opłęra de Montrłęalĺ─˘s 2008-2009 season, courtesy of the Opłęra de Montrłęal.

Remember, the more people you refer, the more chances you have of winning!

La Scena Musicale/The Music Scene is a registered charity promoting music and the arts through three magazines and a website. We connect musicians/artists, the arts community and music/art lovers together through education and information. Help us continue our work with a donation (cash or goods) or by volunteering.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Lloyd Gregory and his band featuring Nicolas Bearde to appear at Biscuits and Blues - Sunday 7/27/08 8PM and 10PM

Lloyd Gregory is enchanting audiences with his full rich sound!

Lloyd Gregory and Band will appear at Biscuits and Blues 7/27/08, 8PM and 10PM

Lloyd Gregory and his band will

feature Nicolas Bearde

will be performing at

Americaĺ─˘s Nr. 1 Blues Club

Biscuits & Blues

San Francisco

Sunday July 27, 8PM and 10PM

$12 per ticket

About Lloyd Gregory

When you think of that certain style of classic jazz guitar that is smooth, soulful, melodic, flowing and immediately likeable, you think of names like Wes Montgomery, Barney Kessel, George Benson, Kenny Burrell, Earl Klugh and Larry Carlton. Now Lloyd Gregory has taken his place on that list of illustrious jazz guitarists. On his fourth album, Free Fallin, Gregory tips his hat to those who influenced him while carving out his own distinctive style that also includes hints of his R&B roots.Lloyd Gregory is taking out time from recording his next album to play at Biscuit & Blues in San Francisco featuring great international and local artists, such as Tony Lindsay, Kenny Washington, Frankye Kelly, Fred Ross, Darlene Coleman, Janice Maxine, Glen Pearson, etc.

Located in the heart of San Francisco's historic Theater District, Biscuits and Blues is a West Coast musical landmark where every seat

provides an up-close, absolutely live music experience. Our all-ages supper club is a great place for the whole family to encounter

America's greatest musical heritage! Biscuits and Blues offers world-class musical venues with great food and a friendly family-oriented atmosphere that is perfect for a romantic date or a family outing. It is located in down-town San Francisco with easy access and lotĺ─˘s of parking in the neighborhood.

The Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash - August 3

Inspired by BC ĺ─ý Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash

concert program announced!

Victoria, BC ĺ─ý The Victoria Symphonyĺ─˘s Music Director Tania Miller has announced the program for the 2008 Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash on August 3 that features music and performers that pay tribute to British Columbiaĺ─˘s 150th anniversary.

The music for this yearĺ─˘s event is inspired by the wonderful 150 year history of British Columbia and includes a world premiere by local composer Tobin Stokes, a performance by the South Island Dancers, and pieces which were premiered in 1858, the year of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia. Audience members will be treated to a variety of musical styles, including well known tunes, a good old sing-along and of course the grand finale, the 1812 Overture complete with cannons and fireworks. This year the finale is sponsored by WestJet, the official airline and fireworks sponsor of Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash.

The world premiere of Tobin Stokes ĺ─˛The Inner Harbour Overtureĺ─˘ written for the 2008 Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash is a unique and topical piece featuring historical and current sounds that can be heard in the harbour. These sounds are woven into the piece from both live and recorded sources. The piece starts with a live interaction from the Coho ferry, and builds to include the train, nearby church bells, the carillon and many other bells. The piece ends with the sound of the final steam whistle from the Princess Marguerite as it left the harbour in the 1980's. The work honours Victoria and British Columbia's past, and plays to the vibrancy that continues today in the capital city's Inner Harbour.

Music Director Tania Miller will be conducting this yearĺ─˘s outdoor performance, ĺ─˙This yearĺ─˘s program features music that connects to the BC 150th anniversary celebrations with music from the New Frontier, to selections that were premiered in the years when BC became a part of Canada, and when Vancouver Island became a part of BC. We are excited about our collaboration with the South Island Dancers, and members from the Esquimalt First Nations, which will be a special aspect of the concert. And of course, our special Splash soloist this year, Hugo Wong who will perform the first movement of Schumannĺ─˘s beautiful piano concerto. This concert has a wonderful magic to it, a wonderful atmosphere of the community coming together. We are looking forward to seeing everyone there.ĺ─¨

Kids Activities! 2 -5 pm in the Splash Kids Zone and the Island Farms Kids Tent at Belleville and Government and on the Legislature lawn at Menzies and Government: Ice Cream Stand, Face Painting, Daisy the Cow and Farmer Vicky, the largest Victoria Symphony Instrument Petting Zoo ever.

Grandstand Seats ĺ─ý Grandstand seats are available in advance for $75 per person through the Victoria Symphony Box Office 250.385.6515. Located on Government Street in front of the Legislature lawn the Grandstand Seats provide a comfortable and unobstructed view of the stage floating in the Inner Harbour. Seats are reserved from 3:30 onwards with in/out privileges throughout the evening. A Tax receipt of $50 will be issued for each seat purchased.

The Victoria Symphony is Vancouver Islandĺ─˘s largest and most active arts organization offering its audiences 68 years of tradition, a commitment to fostering new music and a dedication to community involvement through music education. Showcasing the outstanding talents of its musicians and guest artists the Victoria Symphonyĺ─˘s 2008-2009 season offers a diverse and exciting line-up of over 50 concerts led by its vibrant Music Director Tania Miller.

Bayview Residences is part of a 20-acre hilltop community being created on Victoriaĺ─˘s Inner Harbour. When completed, this Urban Resort Community will include residential towers as well as retail and commercial services as part of the revitalized CPR Roundhouse ĺ─ý a designated National Historic Site. Bayview Residences offers spacious one, two and three bedroom residences with exceptional interior design and attention to detail. The communityĺ─˘s Amenity Clubhouse will feature squash and tennis courts, gym facilities, lap pool and cafe. Bayview is a strong supporter of the community, sponsoring numerous national and local events including the Canadian National Junior Squash Championships and the annual Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash. For further details, visit the on-site presentation centre at 80 Saghalie Road or www.bayviewresidences.com.

Each year, the Victoria Symphony performs on Sunday of the BC Day long weekend from a floating stage in Victoriaĺ─˘s picturesque Inner Harbour. Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash is recognized as one of North Americaĺ─˘s most popular and successful outdoor family, cultural and community events, attracting upwards of 40,000 people. Admission is by donation.

Single tickets for the Mozart Brahms Festival performances on sale Monday

Single tickets for the Mozart Brahms Festival performancesgo on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 21

Limited number of tickets left to see legends such as Perlman and Mehta

Ottawa, Ontario ĺ─ý Single tickets for the National Arts Centre Orchestraĺ─˘s 2008-09 season-opening Mozart Brahms Festival performances will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 21, through Ticketmaster and the NAC Box Office.

The Mozart Brahms Festival, featuring legendary classical music giants such as violinist Itzhak Perlman and conductor Zubin Mehta, takes place from September 23 to October 2. The Mozart Brahms Festival is a face-off of two classical titans, each illuminating the other through orchestral, vocal, chamber and family concerts, and pre-concert talks.

Monday will be the first opportunity for the public to purchase tickets for the various Mozart Brahms Festival performances, which had been exclusively available for sale to NAC Orchestra subscribers since March.

Music lovers are encouraged to get their tickets fast as there is a limited number of spaces left for many of the performances, including the September 23 and 24 concerts with Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman, who will get together for Mozartĺ─˘s Duo for violin and viola and Sinfonia Concertante.

Tickets are also limited for Mozartĺ─˘s Requiem on September 27 and the Brahms Violin Concerto with Mehta and Zukerman on October 1. Other Festival highlights include the October 2 performance by Janina Fialkowska of Mozartĺ─˘s Piano Concerto No. 24 under the direction of Zukerman. Also, the world-renowned Tokyo Quartet and the hot young Escher String Quartet will each perform two concerts combining works of Mozart and Brahms (October 1 and 2). On September 27 there will be two events for families with children ĺ─ý the Shoestring Opera Magic Flute and a backstage exploration of the Flentrop organs.

Celebration 2009 culminates in free, outdoor performance of Haydnĺ─˘s masterwork, The Creation, on Bostonĺ─˘s Esplanade, on May 31, 2009, conducted by Grant Llewellyn.

Celebratory season demonstrates renewed community commitment with the launch of cultural and educational partnerships throughout the greater Boston area.

July 17, 2008 (Boston, MA) ĺ─ţ The Handel and Haydn Society, Americaĺ─˘s oldest continuously-performing arts organization, marks an important musical anniversary year with Celebration 2009, in observance of anniversaries of the deaths of George Friderick Handel (1685ĺ─ýApril 14, 1759) and Franz Joseph Haydn (1732ĺ─ýMay 31, 1809), as well as the births of Henry Purcell (1659ĺ─ý1695) and Felix Mendelssohn (1809ĺ─ý1847). The Handel and Haydn Societyĺ─˘s celebratory season features music of these four composers, as well as of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms. In addition to Artistic Advisor Sir Roger Norrington and Principal Conductor Grant Llewellyn, the Society welcomes back regular guest conductor Harry Christophers, and the Societyĺ─˘s Associate Conductor and Chorusmaster, John Finney. Celebration 2009 will culminate on May 31, 2009, with a free concert of Haydnĺ─˘s masterwork The Creation on Bostonĺ─˘s Esplanade.

During the 2008-2009 season, the Handel and Haydn Society bolsters its tradition of community outreach, presenting performances, forums, and educational programs through newly developed partnerships with leading area universities and colleges, and unprecedented collaborations with some of Bostonĺ─˘s finest cultural institutions. The Celebration 2009 project is intended to generate civic dialogue around the role of great music, past and present. When the Handel and Haydn Society was founded in 1815, its stated purpose was to perform ĺ─˙the best of the old and the newĺ─¨ĺ─ţrepresented by Handel (considered at the time a composer of an earlier age) and Haydn (a relatively ĺ─˙newĺ─¨ composer who had passed away just a few years earlier). The 2009 anniversary year enables the Society to commemorate its namesake composers in a relevant and entertaining way; it also presents an important opportunity to translate the Societyĺ─˘s historical charter to the 21st century, and to develop a performing arts model for engaging audiences in the role of classical musicĺ─ţpast, present, and futureĺ─ţin their lives and their communities.

Celebratory season of both well-known and rarely-heard repertoire features renowned conductors along with established and emerging soloists

The 2008-2009 season features important works of the past and the present, from Haydnĺ─˘s rarely heard opera Lĺ─˘anima del filosofo (Orfeo ed Euridice)and his authoritative The Creation, to music for the theater by Purcell, to a new work by Boston composer Thomas Vignieri that reflects on the influence of Handel. The Society has engaged conductors of international renown to lead energetic programs throughout the season; in addition to Artistic Advisor Norrington and Principal Conductor Llewellyn, and Harry Christophers (Music Director of The Sixteen) with whom Handel and Haydn has enjoyed an acclaimed partnership over the past three years, the Society welcomes to the podium period specialists Richard Egarr, Paul Daniel, Paul Goodwin, and Jean-Marie Zeitouni in their debuts with Handel and Haydn. Soloists include distinguished singers Sarah Coburn, Nathalie Paulin, Kendra Colton, and Andrew Kennedy, cellist Phoebe Carrai and Russian violinist Ilya Gringolts in his Boston debut, as well as rising young performers such as mezzo-soprano Paula Murrihy, who began her solo career with the Handel and Haydn Society.

Free community concert on Boston Esplanade on May 31, 2009, features Haydnĺ─˘s Creation

The Society will perform a free, outdoor concert for the City of Boston, featuring Principal Conductor Grant Llewellyn conducting the Handel and Haydn period-instrument ensemble and chorus in Haydnĺ─˘s masterwork The Creation. Held on Bostonĺ─˘s famed Esplanade, which has a capacity for more than 16,000 people, this community event is planned for national broadcast on radio and podcast, with the potential of reaching several hundred thousand more people throughout the United States. This marks the third time the Society has performed on the Esplanade, the last time in 1990. A pre-concert performance will showcase the Handel and Haydn Youth Choruses, now in their 24th year.

This event holds significance for two reasons: Handel and Haydn Society performed the American premiere of The Creation in 1819; additionally, while preparation for celebrations of the 2009 musical anniversaries has been underway in Great Britain and Europe for some time, Handel and Haydn is uniquely positioned to take the lead on an American observance. The Society is one of the only music organizations in the United States to take part in an international observance of the 200th anniversary of Haydnĺ─˘s death on May 31, 2009, when The Creation will be performed on the same day around the world by other renowned ensembles.

Society expands Educational and Community Outreach Programs

In the 2008-2009 season, Handel and Haydn will invigorate its educational and community outreach programs with expanded programs, venues, and access for children and adults. As part of Celebration 2009, Handel and Haydn will offer the children and schools it currently serves even greater access to music and music education, and will also reach new people in the community, by giving free performances and musical demonstrations in public spaces, such as the Boston Public Library, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Athenaeum, and other collaborating venues. Celebration 2009 will also build on the Societyĺ─˘s use of electronic media in recent seasons by using podcasts; music, conductorĺ─˘s insights, and lectures on the Societyĺ─˘s website; and video broadcasts as an important educational and audience-development tool. Handel and Haydn Society will make a live recording of Lĺ─˘anima del filosofo under Sir Roger Norrington on the Signum Records label for release in May 2009, commemorating the anniversary of the composerĺ─˘s death.

In Celebration 2009, the Society also explores new and enhanced partnerships with New England Conservatory, Longy School of Music, Northeastern University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Tufts University to train the players and singers of the future in Baroque and Classical performance styles and techniques through masterclasses, symposia, interaction with professional conductors and musicians, access to rehearsals and performances, and collaborations between musicians and music faculty. These partnerships are the first step toward the Handel and Haydn Academy, a pre-professional period-performance training program that the Society plans to launch in the 2009-2010 season.

This expanded outreach draws on the Societyĺ─˘s longstanding tradition in the community, dating back to the 19th century when the Society organized large-scale charity events and made great music available to the people of Boston. Over the past 24 years, Handel and Haydnĺ─˘s award-winning Educational Outreach Program, founded in 1984 to address the lack of music education in public school systems due to funding cuts, has grown significantly and won accolades for bringing vocal training and performance opportunities to thousands of children in some of Greater Bostonĺ─˘s most disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Interdisciplinary collaborations with American and international music organizations

In addition to its cultural and educational partners in Boston, Handel and Haydn will also partner in 2008-2009 with the Haydn Festival in Eisenstadt, Austria, at which Handel and Haydn performed in September 2006, and which is organizing the worldwide performances of The Creation on May 31, 2009; the Haydn Society of North America, dedicated to promoting the legacy of Haydn; and Handel House Museum in London, with whom the Society has a longstanding relationship. Handel and Haydn Society has named the president of the Haydn Society of North America, Dr. Michael Ruhling, its 2008-2009 HIP Fellow (program annotator and scholarly contributor to Handel and Haydnĺ─˘s musical programs); Handel and Haydn also partners with Longy School of Music to host the Haydn Society of North Americaĺ─˘s 2009 conference, which takes place in Cambridge and Boston, MA, the week of May 25, 2009, and will close with the outdoor performance of The Creation.

*~*~*~*~* HANDEL AND HAYDN SOCIETY 2008-2009 SEASON CALENDAR

1. Masterclass with Harry Christophers

Week of September 29

Tufts University

2. Celebrate Handel!

Friday, October 3 at 8.00 pm

Sunday, October 5 at 3.00 pm

Symphony Hall

Harry Christophers, conductor

Gillian Keith, soprano

Handel and Haydn Society Chorus

Handel: Coronation Anthems; Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (from Solomon)Selections from Jephtha and Semele

Sir Roger Norrington and Haydn scholars discuss Haydnĺ─˘s London period and its influence on his later work. Members of the Handel and Haydn Society join in a chamber music performance of Haydnĺ─˘s works.

14. Gala Benefit: ĺ─˙The Society Ballĺ─¨

Saturday, April 25

15. Haydn: The Creation

Sunday, May 31 at 3.00 pm

The Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, Boston

Grant Llewellyn, conductor

Elizabeth Watts, soprano

Stanford Olsen, tenor

Eric Owens, bass

Handel and Haydn Society Chorus

Pre-concert performance by the Handel and Haydn Society Youth Choruses

Shaw Festival Establishes Governors International Advisory Council

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, July 17, 2008 ĺ─Â The inaugural meeting of the newly established Shaw Festival Governors International Advisory Council, which takes place tomorrow at the Festival, will celebrate the international breadth of The Shawĺ─˘s audiences and the global reputation of the Festivalĺ─˘s work.

In late March the Shaw Festivalĺ─˘s Board of Governors voted unanimously to establish the Governors International Advisory Council. The Council will be a proactive body which represents the Festival in strategic centres across North America, with members acting as ambassadors for The Shaw. The Council will assist the Board in expanding The Shawĺ─˘s reach, reputation and base of support. Its establishment recognizes The Shawĺ─˘s position as a world-renowned theatre company whose audience is 40% American and drawn from all over Canada and the world. The group will consist of up to 16 Canadian and up to 16 American or International positions. (A position is comprised of an individual or a couple.)

Members of the Governors International Advisory Council are elected for their passion and commitment to the Shaw Festival, their residence in a geographic area with current or potential strength in stakeholder support, and their ability to build bridges between The Shaw and local, regional and national individuals and institutions.

The current membership of the Governors International Advisory Council, which is expected to continue to grow, is comprised of:

Toronto Arts Council Foundation announces Jury for 2008 awards

Today the Toronto Arts Council Foundation (TACF) announced the jury for the 2008 Toronto Arts Council Foundation Awards which recognize artists, cultural professionals and arts supporters who have made significant contributions to Torontoĺ─˘s artistic and cultural life.

ĺ─˙We are honoured to have such a respected and accomplished group of professionals donate their time and expertise to serve on the jury,ĺ─¨ said TACF executive director Claire Hopkinson.

The 2008 Toronto Arts Council Foundation Awards, with cash prizes totaling $40,000, will comprise five categories: Arts for Youth Award; The Globe and Mail Business for the Arts Award; RBC Emerging Artist Award; Roy Thomson Hall Award of Recognition; and the William Kilbourn Award for the Celebration of Toronto's Cultural Life.

The deadline for nominations is fast approaching: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 5 pm. Nomination forms, criteria and awards adjudication policies for the 2008 Toronto Arts Council Foundation Awards are still available at www.torontoarts.org/awards.html.

Winners of the 2008 Toronto Arts Council Foundation Awards will be announced on Friday, October 17, 2008 at the Mayorĺ─˘s Arts Awards Lunch.

Incorporated in 1995 as a sister organization to Toronto Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council Foundation has a two-fold mission: to increase awareness of the value that artists and arts organizations bring to the city of Toronto and to increase resources for the arts. Toronto Arts Council Foundation administers a number of programs to further these goals and provides an opportunity for individuals, foundations and corporations to support a broad spectrum of initiatives and arts disciplines in the City of Toronto through tax-deductible contributions.

July 16, 2008; Monterey, CA; Monterey Jazz Festival Records, in collaboration with the Concord Music Group, will issue the second wave of six never-before-released, archival live recordings taped on the Arena stage of the world-famous Monterey Jazz Festival. The releases are slated for August 5, 2008, seven weeks prior to MJF's celebration of its 51st annual presentation of world-class jazz, September 19-21, 2008. Four of the historic releases will be year-specific recordings, including Art Blakey and the Giants of Jazz/1972; Shirley Horn/1994; Tito Puente & His Orchestra/1977; and Jimmy Witherspoon featuring Robben Ford/1972. Two ĺ─˙best ofĺ─¨ recordings include Dave Brubeck - 50 Years of Dave Brubeck: Live at the Monterey Jazz Festival, 1958-2007 and Cal Tjader: The Best of Cal Tjader, Live at the Monterey Jazz Festival, 1958-1980, and are compilations of the legendary artistsĺ─˘ multiple performances at MJF.

Showcasing legendary artists caught at the peak of their powers, the releases are the second round of recordings to be brought to the public by the MJFR label, which was founded in celebration of the 50th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival in 2007. Initial historic releases included Louis Armstrong and His All-Stars/1958; Miles Davis Quintet/1963, Thelonious Monk Quartet/1964; Dizzy Gillespie/1965; Sarah Vaughan/1971; and a 50th-year compilation disc that included selections from the aforementioned albums as well as live material from Diana Krall, Joe Henderson, Dave Brubeck, and Pat Metheny. The recordings represent the wide variety of classic performers in the mainstream jazz, Latin and blues genres that are featured at Monterey, ranging from piano trios and small combos to big bands. Adding to the legacy of the featured artists, the recordings also feature a cornucopia of legendary leaders-as-sidemen, including saxophonists Paul Desmond, Gerry Mulligan and Sonny Stitt; trumpeters Roy Eldridge, Dizzy Gillespie and Clark Terry; pianists John Lewis and Thelonious Monk; and percussionists Poncho Sanchez and Mongo Santamaria. The six Monterey Jazz Festival Records archival releases have a street date of August 5, 2008. The following are thumbnail sketches of each record: Art Blakey and the Giants of Jazz - Live at the 1972 Monterey Jazz Festival

ĺ─˙The repertoire of the Giants of Jazz in this collection is made up of bop classics and superior standards, an alternation of exciting swing with lovely balladry." Liner notes by Doug Ramsey, author.

Personnel: Art Blakey, drums; Sonny Stitt, alto and tenor saxophones; Roy Eldridge, trumpet; Clark Terry, trumpet and flugelhorn; Kai Winding, trombone; Thelonious Monk, piano; Al McKibbon, bass. Set list: "Blue 'n' Boogie," '''Round Midnight," "Perdido," "Stardust," "Lover Man," "I Can't Get Started With You," "The Man I Love," "A Night in Tunisia" Dave Brubeck - 50 Years of Dave Brubeck: Live at the Monterey Jazz Festival, 1958-2007ĺ─˙ĺ─Âan uncommon overview of artist/venue synchronicity. Unlike other volumes in the series, it is not confined to a single performance, but rather spans the entire Monterey Jazz Festival history and captures much of Brubeck's own history in the process.ĺ─¨ Liner notes by Bob Blumenthal, JazzTimes.

Personnel: Shirley Horn, piano, vocals; Charles Ables, bass; Steve Williams, drums. Set list: "Foolin' Myself," "The Look of Love," "How Am I to Know," "L.A. Breakdown (And Take Me In)," "Nice 'N' Easy," "A Song for You," "I've Got the World on a String," "Here's to Life," "Hard Hearted Hannah," "Blues for Big Scotia" Tito Puente & His Orchestra - Live at the 1977 Monterey Jazz Festival"Tito's performance [in Monterey] was a long-awaited first that showcased a 15-piece orchestra with a humongous sound. It also signaled Tito's entry into the jazz arenaĺ─Âand would find him traveling the world playing Latin jazz throughout the eighties and nineties. It would also raise his profile into the American mainstream." Liner notes by Jesse "Chuy" Varela, KCSM FM, San Mateo, California.

Personnel: Tito Puente, timbales, bandleader; and his orchestra. Set list: "Para los Rumberos," "Oye Como Va," "Babarabatiri," "Delirio," "Tito's Odyssey," "Don't You Worry 'bout a Thing (Cha Cha Cha)," "Pare Cochero," "El Rey del Timbal," "Picadillo" Cal Tjader - The Best of Cal Tjader: Live at the Monterey Jazz Festival, 1958-1980"ĺ─ÂTjader was equally versed in jazz, Afro-Cuban and other Latin idioms and bridged them in a way that never sounded forcedĺ─Â.blues and boleros, mambo, bop and bossa nova - with grace, taste, and feeling." Liner notes by Jesse Hamlin, San Francisco Chronicle.

The MJF archives now include more than 1600 tapes with more than 2000 hours of concerts, all recorded from 1958-present on the Arena stage of the Festival. The founding of MJF Records is the first time a festival has launched its own label, and was a natural outgrowth of the digitization of the aging recordings (a process that took several years), saving the historic music from deterioration. MJF General Manager Tim Jackson started thinking in broader strokes in 2004 when the digitization process started. "I wanted to leverage the festival's assets and use the 50th as a launching pad to make this historical music available to people," he says. Upon their release in August 2007, the CDs made their way onto many criticsĺ─˘ top-ten lists and garnered strong radio airplay. On the on the Billboard jazz charts, the Miles Davis Quintet/1963 reached #8, the Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary All-Stars/2007 reached #12, and the Thelonious Monk Quartet/1964 reached #22.

The label MJFR also plans to new Festival recordings, inaugurated with Live at the Monterey Jazz Festival 2007 by the Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary All-Stars -- led by three generations of masters including James Moody, Terence Blanchard, Benny Green and Nnenna Freelon -- which toured the United States for ten weeks in early 2008, performing to over 43,000 fans. Label General Manager Jason Olaine commented "We're not going to be stuck in a jazz time warp. We're excited to deliver important historical music, as well as assemble special projects and all-star ensembles to debut at the festival each year." At MJF/51 in 2008, the Cuban flautist and singer Orlando ĺ─˙Maracaĺ─¨ Valle is slated to record a CD with special guests David Sł░nchez, Miguel Zenłän, Ed Simon, Murray Low, John Benitez, Giovanni Hidalgo, Horacio ĺ─˙El Negroĺ─¨ Hernandez and the Monterey Jazz Festival Chamber Orchestra for future release on MJFR. The label can be found on the web at www.montereyjazzfestivalrecords.com.

For information on Monterey Jazz Festival Records, as well as the latest round of the Monterey Jazz Festival's newest archival recordings, please contact Matt Merewitz at DL Media at (610) 667-0501 or matt@jazzpublicity.com.

EMI Classics Issue Six Operas from the Metropolitan Opera's Acclaimed Live in HD Series

EMI CLASSICS TO ISSUE SIX OPERAS FROM THE METROPOLITAN OPERA'S ACCLAIMED

LIVE IN HD SERIES JUST IN TIME FOR THE NEW 'THEATRE BROADCAST' SEASON

Canadian release date: September 16, 2008

Engelbert Humperdinck: Hansel and Gretel

Giuseppe Verdi: Macbeth

Tan Dun: The First Emperor (World Premiere)

Giacomo Puccini: La Bohł«me

Benjamin Britten: Peter Grimes

Giacomo Puccini: Manon Lescaut

EMI Classics will issue six operas on DVD produced by the Metropolitan Opera for its highly acclaimed series The Met: Live in HD. This September, five productions from the Met's 2007-08 season will be released, as well as the 2006 world premiere production of Tan Dun's The First Emperor. The releases further extend the reach of The Met: Live in HD, the groundbreaking series of live operas transmitted to movie theatres, arts centres and universities all over the world; next season, the series will expand to reach 800 venues and 28 countries. The 2008/2009 Met Live HD series broadcasts in Canada commence on September 22nd (for more information on this go to: http://www.metoperafamily.org/metopera/news/press/detail.aspx?id=3810).

The operas include new productions of Hansel and Gretel, Macbeth, and Peter Grimes; the world premiere production of The First Emperor; La Bohł«me and Manon Lescaut.

The Met's critically acclaimed high-definition productions are directed by top creative talent from the film and television fields, who capture the intensity of live opera using cutting-edge technology, including vertical and dolly-tracked robotic cameras. During the intermissions, the cameras go backstage for interviews with performers and others involved in the production. The shows are hosted by such stars as Renłęe Fleming, Natalie Dessay, and the late Beverly Sills.

The audio is mixed with Dolby surround-sound encoding supervised by DTS. Each accompanying DVD booklet has notes and a synopsis in English. Each title also includes an electronic booklet in PDF form, which can be accessed from any computer equipped with a DVD-ROM drive and Adobe Acrobat 6.0. This booklet contains notes and cast biographies in English, French, and German.

Engelbert Humperdinck: Hansel and GretelNew ProductionSung in English with optional subtitles in French, German, Italian, and Spanish

The combination of the timeless Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Humperdinck's enchanting score, Richard Jones's intriguing new production, and a new English-language translation by David Pountney make this Hansel and Gretel appealing to audiences of all ages.

Hansel and Gretel are charmingly performed by Alice Coote and Christine Schłžfer. The children's parents are played by Rosalind Plowright and Alan Held. The Witch, written for mezzo-soprano, is sometimes sung by a tenor, in this production Philip Langridge in what was described by The New York Times as "a casting coup".

"In the pit, the brilliant young Russian conductor Vladimir Jurowski ĺ─Â. conveys the lyricism of this 1893 opera while never letting us forget that Humperdinck was a Wagner protłęgłę who filled this score with rich chromatic harmony and thick, dark orchestral colorings. ĺ─Â [Mr. Jurowski] conducts a resonant and radiant performance." (The New York Times)

Describing the high-definition production shown in cinemas, The New York Times said, "All three acts are set in strange kitchens: the drab 1950s kitchen of Hansel and Gretel's impoverished family; an Expressionistic kitchen-dining room with leafy wallpaper to symbolize the forest where the siblings become lost; and an industrial-size, stainless-steel kitchen where the Witch bakes her child victims into gingerbread. ĺ─Â The sophisticated camera work ĺ─Â was especially impressive ĺ─Â Subtleties of acting that barely register in the house came through movingly on screen."

In 1923, Hansel and Gretel became the first complete opera to be broadcast on radio from Covent Garden; eight years later it was the first to be broadcast from the Met.

Backstage at the Met Bonus Material: Renłęe Fleming interviews the Met's Technical Director Joe Clark; Christine Schłžfer and Alice Coote are interviewed live during intermission; and the feature The World of John Macfarlane, shows how set and costume designer John Macfarlane brought Hansel and Gretel to life.

ëçeljko Lučšičß, Maria Guleghina, John Relyea, and Dimitri Pittas star in a new production of Verdi's haunting early operatic masterpiece. Longtime Met Music Director James Levine conducts.

This is the Met's first production in 20 years of the first of Verdi's three operas based on Shakespeare's plays. It is "a stylistically eclectic, grimly effective and, at times, intriguingly playful production" (The New York Times) by the English director Adrian Noble, in his Met debut. Noble, former Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and set and costume designer Mark Thompson "mixed modern and melodramatic elements into this nearly black-and-white, modern-dress staging." (The New York Times)

At the time of its composition, Verdi's Macbeth was unique. Not only was it considered both musically and dramatically bold, but it was the first opera that could truly be described as Shakespearean. It was the first that altered operatic conventions to serve the play rather than converting the play into traditional operatic formulas. The Met performs Verdi's revised 1865 Paris version, minus the ballet he was obligated to write for that production.

After 33 highly successful years in charge of the company's musical forces, a relationship unique in the musical world today, the Met's Music Director James Levine conducts Verdi's haunting score with the intensity that this chilling work demands: "[Levine] conducts "Macbeth" as a ĺ─Â supreme musical drama. ĺ─Â Without diminishing the architectonic shape of the work, he is keenly sensitive to the vocal needs of the cast, ready in an instant to adjust the pacing, to coax the singer and orchestra musicians into beautifully coordinated execution of a lyrical phrase. The orchestra sounded terrific. In ruminative passages the string tone was ĺ─Â velvety and nuanced ĺ─Â [but] when red-blooded Verdian orchestral sound was called for, Mr. Levine summoned plenty of it. " (The New York Times)

Backstage at the Met Bonus Material: Met General Manager Peter Gelb interviews Music Director James Levine; Zeljko Lučšičß, Maria Guleghina (Macbeth and Lady Macbeth) and director Adrian Noble are also interviewed; and a video blog shot during the rehearsal process is also included.

Tan Dun: The First EmperorMet Commission/New ProductionSung in English with optional subtitles in French, German, Italian, and Spanish

"A majestic imperial Chinese saga...[Domingo] sang with stamina and burnished power." New York Times

Legendary tenor Plł░cido Domingo stars in this visually stunning opera by Academy Award-winning composer Tan Dun (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) to a libretto by the composer and Ha Jin, based on Historical Records by Sima Qian (c.145ĺ─ý85 BCE) and on Wei Lu's screenplay, The Emperor's Shadow. The opera was commissioned by the Met in the mid-1990s and the spectacular production, which premiered in December 2006, was one of the most highly anticipated cultural events of the season.

The opera tells of Emperor Qin's quest for a national anthem for his new country and his ill-fated decision to force his childhood friend, a talented composer, to write it. Tragedy results following the composer's love affair with the emperor's crippled daughter. As Emperor Qin, Plł░cido Domingo leads an all-star ensemble in this epic story, which is ideally suited to the opera stage.

The First Emperor combines the expressive power of traditional ancient Chinese singing with the long musical lines of Italian opera. This juxtaposition of musical cultures illustrates Tan Dun's musical style, which merges East and West and ancient and modern sensibilities.

One of just six composers to conduct their own works at the Met, Tan Dun led all the performances of the first run of the opera.

The production was directed by the revered Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou (Hero, Raise the Red Lantern, and director of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics), who worked closely with Tan Dun while he composed the music.

The costumes were designed by Emi Wada, who won an Oscar for her work in the 1986 movie Ran. Over the course of a year and a half, Wada designed more than 600 striking and colourful costumes.

Backstage at the Met Bonus Material: Beverly Sills interviews Plł░cido Domingo, and a documentary film, Tan Dun's The First Emperor: In Rehearsal at the Met gives a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.

Giacomo Puccini: Manon LescautSung in Italian with optional subtitles in English, French, German and Spanish

The performance captured on this DVD marks the first on the Met stage in 18 years of the Met's classic production of Puccini's Manon Lescaut. Finnish soprano Karita Mattila performs the title role, conducted by James Levine. Chevalier des Grieux is played by Marcello Giordani, Manon's brother by Dwayne Croft and Geronte by Dale Travis.

Manon Lescaut, the French tale of a beautiful young woman destroyed by her conflicting desires for love and luxury, was Puccini's first successful opera and the work that thrust him into the international spotlight as Italy's foremost opera composer.

Mattila's performance is a career highlight, with The New York Times calling her interpretation "riveting". The soprano waited for her voice to gain maturity and richness before singing her first Manon Lescaut in 1999, when she was nearly 40. She now returns to the work, attracting James Levine to conduct it for the first time since 1981.

After 33 highly successful years in charge of the company's musical forces, a relationship unique in the musical world today, the Met's Music Director James Levine leads a fresh and intelligent performance. "Conceptually Mr. Levine seemed on the same page with his star soprano. He drew Italianate ardor and pliant lyricism from the Met orchestra yet conveyed the rhythmic intricacy, harmonic boldness and symphonic sweep of the music as well." (The New York Times)

"The more vicious the society, the more vicious the individual." - Benjamin Britten, commenting on Peter Grimes after its premiere in 1945

Anthony Dean Griffey and Patricia Racette are gripping in this new Met production of Benjamin Britten's most celebrated opera, Peter Grimes. The multi-award-winning director is John Doyle, whose production of Sweeney Todd won the 2006 Tony AwardČĂ for Best Direction of a Musical. The Financial Times described Doyle's direction of Peter Grimes as "an impeccable fusion of music and drama."

Peter Grimes, Britten's haunting seaside tale and his second opera, is widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of postwar opera, and its premiere 63 years ago marked a turning point in the history of British opera. This "true operatic masterpiece of the 20th century" (The New York Times) is the first opera by an English composer to enter and remain in the international repertory. Peter Grimes is based on a poem entitled The Borough, by turn-of-the-19th-century writer George Crabbe set in an isolated English fishing village in the 1830s.

Much of the emotional drive of the opera comes from the four Sea Interludes ĺ─ý calm, storm, at dawn and by moonlight. Among the most brilliantly evocative music that Britten ever wrote, they help to establish the constant, overpowering presence of the sea as the opera's dominant force.

Anthony Dean Griffey is "the leading Peter Grimes today" (Washington Post), and [his] "fascinating performance should not be missed" (Associated Press). Patricia Racette, as Ellen Orford, the schoolmistress who tries and fails to rescue Grimes from his anger and self-pity, is "sublime" (The Guardian). "The voice was vibrant, liquid, and exciting" (New York Sun). "A powerful cast, led by tenor Anthony Dean Griffey," writes the San Francisco Chronicle, "found the pathos and terror in Britten's score."

Donald Runnicles, Music Director of the San Francisco Opera, "drew an inspired performance from the Met Orchestra, full of passion and commitment yet free of bombast. Without slackening the dramatic tension, he found ways of drawing out both the music's austere lyricism and its violent extremes." (Boston Globe)

Backstage at the Met Bonus Material: Natalie Dessay interviews Anthony Dean Griffey and Patricia Racette (Peter Grimes and Ellen Orford), conductor Donald Runnicles, chorus master Donald Palumbo, and members of the creative team, including director John Doyle, costume designer Ann Hould-Ward, and set designer Scott Pask. There is also a live BBC segment from Benjamin Britten's hometown of Aldeburgh.

Angela Gheorghiu and Ramłän Vargas lead a magnificent cast in Franco Zeffirelli's sumptuous and iconic production of Puccini's timeless masterpiece La Bohł«me. "[It] just might be the best investment the Met ever madeĺ─Â Its magic shows no sign of diminishing." (Opera News Online)

Set in Paris around 1830, La Bohł«me depicts a love that blossoms between two young artists in a time that appears both bleak and turbulent that makes this story so very special.

MimłĘ and Rodolfo, sung by Gheorghiu and Vargas, respectively, are charming as the young couple who fall in love. Ludovic Tłęzier and Ainhoa Arteta sing Marcello and Musetta.

Gheorghiu, one of the leading Puccini sopranos of our time, sings the role of MimłĘ at the Met for the first time in twelve years. "[Gheorghiu] was superb as MimłĘĺ─Â distinctive and alluring. She sang with extraordinary precision, subtlety, control, nuance, and, above all, musicality" (New York Sun). "Ramłän Vargas, as Rodolfo, produced a warm, buttery sound" (The New York Times). Conductor Nicola Luisotti is, "a man who knows what he is doing in this repertoire: the way he can control the orchestra to move with the singers' expressive tempo fluctuations is breathtaking, a quality which helps to show Puccini at his best" (musicalcriticism.com).

Franco Zeffirelli's stunning production is as beloved and magnificent today as the day it was first staged at the Metropolitan Opera more than 27 years ago. The April 5, 2008, broadcast of this production marked the 347th performance of Zeffirelli's La Bohł«me at the Met, making it the most performed production in the company's history.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

OYR 2008-09 Creations

ONE YELLOW RABBIT PERFORMANCE THEATRE

ANNOUNCES 2008-09

PERFORMANCE CREATIONS

One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre celebrates another year of performance creation when it revisits two of its most popular friends Sylvia Plath and Leonard Cohen, pushes the boundaries at the High Performance Rodeo, shares its interpretation of the world's oldest epic, and combines sex, hockey and rock n' roll for an electric night of erotica.

Founded in 1982 and based in the Big Secret Theatre in Calgary's EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts, One Yellow Rabbit creates new, original theatrical works by its Resident Performing Ensemble each year. The OYR Ensemble has also toured its unique brand of performance across North America, Australia, Asia, Mexico and Europe. In addition to producing new Ensemble creations, OYR hosts the annual High Performance Rodeo, Calgary's International Festival of the Arts, and the Summer Lab Intensive school of performance creation. For more information, please visit oyr.org.

One Yellow Rabbit's 23rd annual

High Performance Rodeo

Calgary's International Festival of the Arts

January 5th to 31st, 2009

Celebrating its 23rd year, the High Performance Rodeo, Calgary's International Festival of the Arts, has mapped the craggy edge of new, original and unusual live performance and has landed firmly in Canada's cultural consciousness. While the complete line up for the 2009 Rodeo won't be announced until mid-Fall, OYR is excited to give patrons a sneak peek of what's to come. OYR is pleased to announce world-renowned composer, Philip Glass, will be this year's artist-in-residence. The residency will include a variety of live appearances and performances by Glass, as well as a special co-presentation with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra's premiere of Glass' symphony, Low. Other Rodeo treats include the Calgary premiere of Catalyst Theatre's Frankenstein, co-presented by OYR and Theatre Calgary, and the return of His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond as the 2009 Honorary Patron.

The High Performance Rodeo will be hosted at various venues throughout Calgary, including the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts. Show times vary: please consult the festival calendar for a full list of acts and times. The Rodeo Guide, including the full festival calendar, will be released in mid-Fall 2008.

Headlining the High Performance Rodeo

One Yellow Rabbit presents

Gilgamesh La-Z-Boy

Directed by Blake Brooker

Staged by Denise Clarke

Adapted and performed by the One Yellow Rabbit Performing Ensemble

January 27th to 31st, 2009

Big Secret Theatre

Gilgamesh: the world's oldest epic, already ancient by the time of Christ, earlier thanĺ─ýand vastly different fromĺ─ýany other great myth we know. Think of it as the first-ever buddy movie over 4,000 years before movies were invented.Gilgamesh La-Z-Boy is One Yellow Rabbit's re-telling of the story, a modern interpretation unlike any other.

Gilgamesh: the son of a goddess, born a hero and a king, god-ruler of the Sumerian city Uruk, located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in what is now Iraq. He is unconquerable, strong beyond all others and beloved by his armies. But also tyrannical, childish, selfish, ruthless, and bored. Meet Enkidu: wild-man, half beast, sent by the gods to terrorize the countryside and chastise Gilgameshĺ─ýthat is, until the two become fast friends, together undertaking a lethal quest in search of immortality. It is a tale of snarling demons, giant divine bulls, serpents and devastatingly seductive priestesses. But most of all, it is a moving and celebratory story about what it means to live a good life, the nature of happiness, friendship, and of men learning to be, above all else, human.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMANDĺ─Â

Scheduled to tour across Canada in 2008-09, the One Yellow Rabbit Performing Ensemble is happy to return to the Calgary stage and reprise its role in three of the company's most popular and powerful productions.

Doing Leonard Cohen

Adapted and Directed by Blake Brooker

Staged by Denise Clarke

Performed by the OYR Ensemble

November 25th to 29th, 2008

Big Secret Theatre

The OYR Ensemble reprises this multi-layered homage to the incandescent Mr. Cohen, which features some 50 poems from early works like Death of a Lady's Man and The Spice Box of Earth, as well as an extended treatment of the novel Beautiful Losers. Along with its sultry yet aggressive movement, the hallucinatory stream of consciousness captures the erotic and sensual qualities of Cohen's finest poetic voice. Put on your bell-bottoms and Greek sandals, then get set to revel in the sexy 60s as only Leonard canĺ─ţand did.

"Poetry in motion" ĺ─ý Globe & Mail

Sylvia Plath Must Not Die ĺ─ţ Unplugged

Written and Directed by Blake Brooker

Staged by Denise Clarke

Performed by the OYR Ensemble

TBA (During the run of Doing Leonard Cohen) ĺ─ţ One show only

Big Secret Theatre

Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton, two of the 20th century's most prolific and complex literary figures, are inexorably linked, as much by their mutual zeal for life as by their infamous deaths. Originally premiering at the 2008 High Performance Rodeo, the award-winning One Yellow Rabbit Performing Ensemble invites audiences to revisit its voyeuristic journey to another era, where cocktails are swilled and conflicted souls are expressed in a cathartic torrent of ink and emotion.

Rock n' roll, theatre, hockey and sex! Together at last for a four-way power play, two of Canada's longest-standing creative forcesĺ─ýCalgary's One Yellow Rabbit and legendary Toronto rock band Rheostaticsĺ─ýhook up to create and perform a series of incisive erotic hockey stories for the stage. Written by Rheostatic and author Dave Bidini, Five Hole weaves together a suite of electrifying, tender and hilarious love stories through the lens of our national pastime.

Once again the One Yellow Rabbit Performing Ensemble takes its unique brand of performance creation theatre on the road touring Canada with three of its most provocative and powerful productions, including Doing Leonard Cohen, the Toronto premiere of Sylvia Plath Must Not Die, and Five Hole: Tales of Hockey Erotica.

The 10th annual Wine Stage offers another year of unlimited tasting of the world's finest wines poured for you by the experts and served alongside culinary creations from Calgary's most talented chefs. Tickets are limited so book early! Tickets on sale July 15th, 2008 from the One Yellow Rabbit Box Office by calling 403-264-3224 or information at www.oyr.org

The COCĺ─˘s 2008/09 season opens with a revival of Mozartĺ─˘s timeless masterpiece Don Giovanni, a comic drama in its most perfect form. Itĺ─˘s a wry and insightful portrait of literatureĺ─˘s most famous womanizer, his victims and nemeses. Every page of Mozartĺ─˘s score seethes with music of passion, wit and elegance.

The production features a largely Canadian cast led by baritone Brett Polegato as the notorious lover and COC favourite Robert Pomakov as Leporello, Don Giovanniĺ─˘s faithful servant. COC Ensemble Studio graduate Jessica Muirhead returns to sing Donna Anna, a victim of Don Giovanniĺ─˘s forced advances and tenor Gordon Gietz sings the role of Donna Annaĺ─˘s fiancłę, Don Ottavio. American soprano Julie Makerov is Donna Elvira, one of Don Giovanniĺ─˘s conquests, while former Ensemble soprano Virginia Hatfield is Zerlina, a peasant girl who becomes Don Giovanniĺ─˘s latest exploit.

Tickets for Don Giovanni go on sale August 25, 2008. Single tickets are $60 ĺ─ý $290 (specially priced $20 tickets for young people under the age of 30 go on sale September 27, 2008) and are available online at www.coc.ca, by calling COC Ticket Services at 416-363-8231, or in person at the

Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts Box Office, 145 Queen St. W., Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Don Giovanni Production Sponsor: RBC Financial Group

War and Peaceby Sergei Prokofiev

8 performances: October 10, 14, 16, 22, and 29, 2008 at 7 p.m., October 19 at 2 p.m. and

October 25 at 4:30 p.m.

Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

145 Queen St. W. (at University Ave.)

The fall season continues with the COC premiere and the first fully-staged Canadian production of Prokofievĺ─˘s powerful drama, War and Peace. A co-production with English National Opera, this masterpiece follows the Russian people and their hard-won victory over Napoleonĺ─˘s devastating military force. From the ballroom to the battlefield, stirring choruses and a huge ensemble cast bring Tolstoyĺ─˘s novel to epic, heart-breaking life.

With over 60 named roles, this production features a cast that is truly international. One of the most sought-after lyric baritones on the international stage today, Canadaĺ─˘s Russell Braun makes his role debut as Prince Andrei Bolkonsky. Russian soprano Elena Semenova makes her COC debut singing the role of Andreiĺ─˘s fiancłęe, Countess Natasha Rostov. Prince Anatole Kuragin is sung by Moscow-born tenor Oleg Balashov, while Russian bass Mikhail Kit makes his company debut as Field Marshal Kutuzov. Mezzo-soprano Larisa Kostyuk sings the role of Prince Anatoleĺ─˘s sister, Countess Hłęlł«ne Bezukhova, and COC favourite Mikhail Agafonov returns as Hłęlł«neĺ─˘s husband Count Pierre Bezukhov. COC Ensemble Studio graduate Lauren Segal is Sonya, Natashaĺ─˘s loyal cousin. Canadian Judith Forst returns to the COC as Marya Dmitrievna Akhrosimova, while baritone Vassily Gerello sings Napoleon. Gregory Dahl sings the roles of Balaga and General Yermolov, and Canadian mezzo-soprano Jean Stilwell is Madame Peronskaya.

Tickets for War and Peace go on sale August 25, 2008. Single tickets are $60 ĺ─ý $290 (specially priced $20 tickets for young people under the age of 30 go on sale September 27, 2008) and are available online at www.coc.ca, by calling COC Ticket Services at 416-363-8231, or in person at the

Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts Box Office, 145 Queen St. W., Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

FREE CONCERT SERIES IN THE

RICHARD BRADSHAW AMPHITHEATRE

October 1 ĺ─ý October 30, 2008

Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

145 Queen St. W. (at University Ave.)

The Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre includesconcerts, performances and presentations by young artists, Canadian and international opera stars and COC staff. This is an exciting opportunity for Torontonians to experience the artistic excellence and cultural diversity of the city. All performances are free to the public.

Date

Series

Artist

October 1, 2008

12 ĺ─ý 1 p.m.

World Music Series

Tabla playerVineet Vyas and dancer/choreographer Bageshree Vaze present A Tapestry of Indian Rhythm. The dynamic duo, along with guest artists (harmonium and sitar), bring alive the grandeur of the ancient Indian arts of Kathak dance and the tabla, the ĺ─˙talkingĺ─¨ drums of North India.

October 2, 2008

12 ĺ─ý 1 p.m.

Dance Series

ProArteDanza presents Up Close and Intimate, a sneak preview of the ProArteDanza 2008 season. The program features works influenced by the best of both classical ballet and contemporary dance.

Queen of Puddings Music Theatre presentsThe All-Canadian Classical Cabaret Show. Two singers and a pianist delve into the weird and wonderful world of Cabaret from a distinctly Canadian perspective.

October 9, 2008

12 ĺ─ý 1 p.m.

Piano Virtuoso Series

Pianist Lucas Porter performs

Prokofievĺ─˘s Piano Sonatas No. 3 and 4. Both sonatas create a contrast between the lyrical and ĺ─˙scherzando-motoricĺ─¨ style. The symphonic third sonata is a work of great passion and drama, while the fourth is extremely lyrical and introverted.

October 14, 2008

12 ĺ─ý 1 p.m.

Piano Virtuoso Series

Canadian Pianist Joel Hastings presentsExpressions of Melody and Virtuosity, a scintillating program of pieces not usually heard on the piano. The recital includes three delightful sonatas by Scarlatti, Resphigiĺ─˘s Ancient Airs and Dances, a Schubert love song, and Franz Lisztĺ─˘s transcription of Wagnerĺ─˘s Tannhłžuser overture.

In collaboration with the Munk Centre for International Studies at the University of Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company presents TheOpera Exchange: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Opera. Monster Opera: Prokofievĺ─˘s War and Peace is the first instalment of three symposia that provide an in-depth and entertaining look at opera. Participants have the opportunity to listen to a series of lectures on War and Peace from an astonishing array of academic specialists, followed by panel discussions with members of the COCĺ─˘s creative teams.

The Opera Exchange

Monster Opera: Prokofievĺ─˘s War and Peace

Saturday, October 18, 2008

9:30 a.m. ĺ─ý 4 p.m.

$25 per participant

($15 for U of T Faculty and $5 for students)

Walter Hall, Edward Johnson Building, The Faculty of Music

80 Queenĺ─˘s Park (at Museum subway station)

Order online at www.coc.ca or call COC Ticket Services at 416-306-2377

Tour the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

The COC invites the public to experience behind-the-scenes views into the workings of an opera company by touring the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Public tours provide the opportunity for attendees to learn more about the opera house, its history, architecture and innovative acoustic design. Each hour-long tour is led by trained docents and includes background information and access to the Isadore and Rosalie Sharp City Room, the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre and

R. Fraser Elliott Hall. Public tours are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors and free for children 12 and under. Public tours take place Saturday mornings at 11:45 a.m. and 12 p.m.(with some exceptions).Please call for availability and book your tour at 416-306-2377, or visit the COC website at www.coc.ca.

EVENTS

Operanation V ĺ─ý La Vie Bohł«meOctober 24, 2008 ĺ─ý 9 p.m.

Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

145 Queen St. W. (at University Avenue)

The Canadian Opera Companyĺ─˘s fifth annual fundraiser Operanation, takes place on Friday, October 24, 2008. This elegant affair is the premier event for young urban professionals, melding the inspirational venue of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts with the must-attend arts fundraiser of the fall social season. This yearĺ─˘s French theme, La Vie Bohł«me welcomes guests to incredible sights and sounds as life and art come together in the style of Bohemian Paris. La Vie Bohł«meembraces the free-spirit and artistry of Parisian culture, ensuring an unforgettable evening of pleasure for all. Students from the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts bring dramatic flair to the occasion as they mill through the crowd playing the parts of 19th-century French performers, while painters and sketch artists are also on hand to capture artistic renderings of guests. Attendees can enjoy live operatic performances, cocktails, hors dĺ─˘oeuvres, a silent auction and a raffle for a lavish vacation.

Performing Arts Students Win Hnatyshyn Foundation Grants

OTTAWA, July 15, 2008 Č˝ Eight young performing arts students from five provinces will each receive a grant of $10,000 from The Hnatyshyn Foundation to pursue their studies in September 2008. In announcing the winners of the 2008 Developing Artists Grants competition today Gerda Hnatyshyn, C.C., President and Chair of the Board of The Hnatyshyn Foundation, said this brings to $300,000 the amount awarded in university-level scholarships over the past four years by the Ottawa-based foundation.

The nominees for the grants were identified as having exceptional promise by educational and training institutions across Canada and were then adjudicated anonymously by expert juries from the arts community.

Emily Belvedere, a 20-year-old harpist from Richmond Hill, Ontario, is the winner of the classical music grant for orchestral instrument. She received her high school education through home schooling and is currently finishing her first year of university-level studies under the tutelage of Judy Loman at the GlennGouldSchool of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.

The classical piano grant will be awarded to 18-year-old Isabelle David of Sainte-Julie, Quebec. A graduate of l'łÔcole secondaire du Mont-Bruno, Isabelle has just completed the first year of a Licentiate in Music degree in piano performance at McGillUniversity's Schulich School of Music in Montreal.

The winner of the Oscar Peterson Grant for Jazz Performance is Samantha Chrol of Winnipeg, a 19-year-old saxophonist and clarinetist, who has just completed her first year of the Bachelor of Jazz Studies program at the University of Manitoba. Samantha is a graduate of River East Collegiate in Winnipeg.

The classical ballet grant goes to 20-year-old Tristan Dobrowney of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, who will be an apprentice with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet for the 2008/2009 season. He has been training in the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Professional Division for the past six years while completing his secondary education at University of Winnipeg Collegiate.

The winner for contemporary dance is 19-year-old Paige Culley of Rossland, British Columbia. A graduate of RosslandSecondary School, Paige has been taking dance instruction for 10 years including summer sessions in Kelowna and Trail, B.C, and at Arts Umbrella in Vancouver. She has just completed her first year of the three-year Professional Training Program at The School of Toronto Dance Theatre.

Kaitlyn Semple, aged 21, of Regina, Saskatchewan, is the winner of the Developing Artist Grant for English theatre acting. A graduate of CampbellCollegiateHigh School, she will be starting her final year of a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting at the University of Regina this fall.

The French theatre acting grant will go to Catherine Hughes of Val-Morin, Quebec. The 22-year-old drama student, a graduate of the łÔcole polyvalente des Monts in Sainte-Agathe and the Collł«ge Lionel-Groulx in Sainte-Thłęrł«se, is currently studying at the Conservatoire d'art dramatique in QułębecCity.

The graduate grant for classical vocal performance will be awarded to 24-year-old soprano Valłęrie Błęlanger of Lambton, Quebec, who is pursuing a Diploma of Advanced Studies in Music (Master's degree level) at the Conservatoire de musique de Qułębec with teacher Hłęlł«ne Fortin. Valłęrie has been studying at the Conservatoire since 2003 and completed the equivalent of a Bachelor of Music degree there in 2007.

The Hnatyshyn Foundation is a private charity established by the late Right Honourable Ramon John Hnatyshyn, Canada's twenty-fourth Governor General. Its programs are funded by donations from government, foundations, corporations and individuals. The Department of Canadian Heritage has provided nearly $2.4 million in matching funds to the Foundation.

First, she is a guest teacher at the 11th International Piano Week, which takes place from July 26 until August 3 at the Maison de la Lałěcitłę in Wavre, Belgium. During this unifying event, she will give a conference-recital to celebrate the centenary of Olivier Messiaen, on August 2, at 2PM. Louise Bessette will also be part of the faculty concert on July 28, 8PM, and she will give master classes to young and talented pianists.

Barely back from Europe, Louise Bessette will present a concert at the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival, on July 8 at 8PM at the Church St. John the Evangelist. Joining Robert Cram (flute) and Estelle Lemire (ondes Martenot), plus a string quartet, she will present works taken from the catalogue of Olivier Messiaen: Prłęlude (1964),La fauvette des jardins,Le merle noir,Feuillets inłędits, Pił«ce pour piano et quatuor łŢ cordes, and extracts from the Vingt Regards sur l'Enfant-Jłęsus.

Finally, she will present a piano recital graced with emotion and spirituality at the Festival International of the Domaine Forget, in Saint-Irłęnłęe, on August 15, at 8PM, in the hall Franł▀oys-Bernier. Built on two distinctive parts, this recital explores the importance and influence of bells, chimes and campaniles in the musical imagination of composers throughout centuries. For the second half, Louise Bessette will perform six of the Vingt Regards sur l'Enfant-Jłęsus, a work for which she received awards and praise from the international critic.

A versatile musician with an acrobatic mastery of the keyboard, Louise Bessette is appreciated throughout the world. She has over 20 recordings to her credit. Member of the Order of Canada (2001), Officer of the Ordre national du Qułębec (2005), Louise Bessette accumulates honorary distinctions, all in support of her outstanding musical contribution. Piano teacher at the Conservatoire de musique de Montrłęal since 1996, she is transmitting to young virtuosos her passionate love of music.

Junior Piano E-competition final results

1st Minnesota International JUNIOR

Piano-E Competition is now final

Calgary's Jan Lisiecki ties for 3rd place in Yamaha Sponsored Piano Competition for pianists under the age of 17 !

The winners of the e-Piano Junior have been announced in the dramatic Awards Ceremony at 5:30PM on Friday, July 11, 2008 from the stage of the Orchestra Hall. The Ceremony featured performances of all finalists from the earlier rounds. With a Yamaha Disklavier Pro Concert Grand (DCFIIISM4 PRO), video projector, and screen set up on stage, the audience was able to experience the same video-sync technology that was used in the Virtual Audition phase of the competition.

The first prize was shared byFrank Dupree, 16 yrs old, Germany and Nansong Huang, 14 yrs old, China. Bothwinners have performed again with the Minnesota Orchestra on Friday evening Gala Concert that followed the award ceremony. Second Prize was not awardedThe third prize was shared by Osip Nikiforov, 14 yrs old, Russia and Jan Lisiecki, 13 yrs old, Canada. Fourth Prize was not awarded. The fifth prize was awarded toVladimir Levitsky, 16 yrs old, Russia.

The archived videos of all solo rounds, pictures from the competition will be available on the Minnesota E-Competition website soon. MIDI files of all solo performances will be available shortly after. Please stay tuned.

NACO and the NCC present Orchestras in the Park

Come and See the Stars Play This Summer at the Park

Orchestras in the Park, a four-concert free outdoor festival at LeBretonFlatsPark

presented by the NAC and NCC

Ottawa, July 14, 2008 ĺ─ý Scorpius and Antares will not be the only group of stars shining on July 17, 2008 when opera superstars Measha Bruggergosman and Richard Margison open the series of Orchestras in the Park. The NAC in collaboration with the NCC is offering four exceptional concerts free to the public at LeBretonFlatsPark from Thursday, July 17 to Sunday, July 20, 2008 at 7:30 pm daily. Families and friends can picnic, bring their chairs or bikes and relax to the beautiful sounds of summer.

Thursday, July 17 7:30pm

The Orchestras in the Park series begins on Thursday, July 17, at 7:30 pm with a special concert of operaĺ─˘s greatest hits entitled ĺ─˙Opera Under the Starsĺ─¨. This evening will be dedicated to Richard Bradshaw, former General Director of the Canadian Opera House who passed away last year.

Folk-country legend Ian Tyson, composer of ĺ─˙Four Strong Windsĺ─¨ will perform a special concert on his 75th birthday. Come celebrate and hear some of the songs that made him famous.

Featuring:

National Arts Centre OrchestraIan Tyson, vocalist / guitar

And band members MC Horses & Bill Kane

Sunday, July 20, 2008 7:30pm

Orchestras in the Park will close with a magnificent concert featuring the National Arts Centre Orchestra. One of Canadaĺ─˘s most gifted, and charismatic pianists and Jessica Linnebach, an equally talented member of NACO will perform two dazzling showpieces ĺ─ý Tchaikovskyĺ─˘s Piano Concerto No 1 and Sarasateĺ─˘s finger-busting Fantasy on Bizetĺ─˘s Carmen for violin.

LeBretonFlatsPark, a 3.6 hectare area between the CanadianWarMuseumWellington Street offers spectacular views and is the biggest gathering site for cultural events in the Capital. Residents and visitors are reminded to pack their lawn chairs and picnics for this event. Limited onsite parking is available, therefore the public is encouraged to use public transit.

Shaw Festival: Belle Moral Previews

Previews begin at the Shaw Festival for Darkly Comic Belle Moral: A Natural History

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, July 14, 2008 ĺ─Â Previews began on Saturday in the Court House Theatre for the Shaw Festivalĺ─˘s production of Belle Moral: A Natural History, a spellbinding story by Ann-Marie MacDonald, one of Canadaĺ─˘s most beloved writers. The production is a remount of The Shawĺ─˘s hit 2005 production, the playĺ─˘s world premiere.

On a foggy Scottish coast lies an ancestral home called Belle Moral. There, by day, young Pearl MacIsaac (Fiona Byrne) considers questions of science and nature, and by night, dreams of mythical creatures and mysterious brides. This is a house full of mystery ĺ─ý just who is in the attic and why does Pearl have an ear in a jar? Part magic, part philosophy and part whodunnit, the darkly comic play is also a rousing call for tolerance and diversity.

The play, a fascinating mix of mystery, science and comedy, was applauded in 2005 for its intelligence, sharp wit and compelling characters. Equally well-received was the direction, design, lighting and music of The Shawĺ─˘s production, which the Company is thrilled to bring back to the Court House stage this season.

Belle Moral: A Natural History has its origins in an earlier play of Ann-Marie MacDonaldĺ─˘s. The Arabĺ─˘s Mouth was first produced in 1990 by Torontoĺ─˘s Factory Theatre and its then-Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell, now of course The Shawĺ─˘s Artistic Director. Commissioned by The Shaw, the original play was significantly rewritten under the auspices of the Companyĺ─˘s play development programme.

Ann-Marie MacDonald is the award-winning author of the play Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet), and the novels The Way the Crow Flies and Fall On Your Knees. She is also an actor and broadcast journalist.

The cast of Belle Moral: A Natural History also includes Jeff Meadows as Victor MacIsaac, Donna Belleville as Flora MacIsaac, and Peter Hutt as Dr. Seamus Reid, as well as Bernard Behrens, Martin Happer, Julie Martell, and Graeme Somerville.

Belle Moral: A Natural History is directed by Alisa Palmer, with design by Judith Bowden, lighting design by Kevin Lamotte, and original music composed by Paul Sportelli. The stage management team includes Stage Manager Meredith Macdonald and Assistant Stage ManagerEvan R. Klassen.

Belle Moral: A Natural History

began preview performances Saturday, July 12; opens Saturday, July 19; and plays in repertory until Sunday, October 5. For tickets and information, visit www.shawfest.com or call 1-800-511-7429 or 905-468-2172 (local).

Belle Moral: A Natural History is sponsored by Scotiabank Group.

The 2008 season is proudly presented by HSBC Bank Canada/HSBC Bank USA, N.A.

Tickets are priced at $185 each for premiere seating and $145 each for rear orchestra and balcony and can be purchased through the

St. Lawrence Centre Box office at 416-366-7723 or log ontowww.stlc.com to purchase on-line.

Piano Plus brings Canada's finest classical musicians to communities throughout the country in which opportunities to experience the magic of live concerts at an affordable cost are limited or simply non-existent. The brainchild of Artistic Director and Founder Janina Fialkowska, Piano Plus is the iteration of the incredibly successful Piano Six, the original 10-year program which began in 1993 with six pianists thrilling more than 100,000 classical music lovers in small towns and isolated communities across the country. Since 2004, the Piano Plus artist roster has been expanded to include distinguished Canadian musicians from the worlds of strings and voice as well as piano in order to bring a much broader range of the worldĺ─˘s great music to the program. Pianist Angela Cheng is Artistic Director. www.pianoplus.ca

Friday, July 11, 2008

McMaster Summer Drama Festival

MCMASTER SUMMER DRAMA FESTIVAL MAKES ITS REPRISE IN THE HEART OF HAMILTON

HAMILTON, ON - The McMaster Summer Drama Festival (SDF) announces its eighteenth season, opening July 18, 2008 and running to July 26, 2008.

Artistic Director Andrew Hadden asserts, "This year's festival consists of four very unique shows. Each one is very bold in its own way. The audience will have the option to see a brutally honest and emotional drama (Closer), a quirky musical which explores contemporary pop culture (Six Women With Brain Death), a student-written adaptation of the classic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet (Fair Verona) and a play which reflects on life and regret (Edward Albee's Three Tall Women)."

"I believe that this year's season is proving to be our most ambitious," declares Production Stage Manager Monica Cairney. "Within our four shows we incorporate a musical, live and/or original music and multimedia, none of which have been used in this company in recent memory. These elements, on top of organizing and running a festival, have been a challenge but are also paving the way for more risks to be taken in the future."

This year's festival consists of:

CLOSERWritten by Patrick MarberDirected by James Tyler ShearerStarring Jim Malloy as Larry, Lacey Benedetti as Alice, GrantWinestock as Dan, and Sarah Midghall as Anna.

Closer, a story about love caught up in false pretenses openedin London in 1997 and quickly won the Evening Standard Awardfor Best Comedy, and the Critics' Circle Theatre Awards andLaurence Olivier Awards for Best New Play.

Fair Verona, a 'rearrangement' of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet,is a brand new work presented by Kerri Bojman and Graham Jenner."Fair Verona is a play about how a person's environment playsa crucial role in his or her life; how a society's structure,traditions, and unspoken rules can make or break a person'sability to function or survive," says directors Bojman and Jenner.

Six Women with Brain Death, since its inception in 1992, hasdeveloped substantial underground popularity. Originallyperformed in Kansas City, Missouri, the show moved to SanDiego, California, where Variety called the show "a lifesaverfor the theatre".

EDWARD ALBEE'S THREE TALL WOMENDirected by Amanda NesbittStarring Alicia Micallef as A, Laura Pomeroy as B, CarlyPokoradi as C, and Colin Nesbitt as the Son.

Edward Albee's unique brand of acerbic wit is quite clearin his Pulitzer Prize-winning Three Tall Women: "Through thestory of the life of one woman the audience is asked to remindthemselves of all the strengths, weaknesses, prejudices, lovesand joys of being human," Director Amanda N. Nesbitt explains."There is a slight nod towards Theatre of the Absurd in order toexplore, realistically, everything from incontinence toinfidelity, from raising children to the compromises made andthe regrets gathered."

The McMaster Summer Drama Festival began in 1991, and hassince developed a reputation as one of the longest-runningsummer community theatre groups. Their productions haveranged from classical, to contemporary, to even originalworks, and adaptations of films. The Festival consistentlycaters to well over a thousand theatre goers each summer.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

2008 Betty Webster Awards - Orchestras Canada/Orchestres Canada

Orchestras Canada/Orchestres Canada (OC) is delighted to announce the winners of the Betty Webster Awards for 2008.Created in 2002, the Awards honour long-time OC executive director Elizabeth Webster by recognizing people and organizations that have made an outstanding contribution to the Canadian orchestral community through leadership, education and volunteerism.The 2008 Awards committee was chaired by Manitoba Chamber Orchestra general manager Vicki Young. She was joined by Rob McAlear (Artistic Administrator of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra); Alain Trudel (Music Director of the CBC Radio Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Orchestre symphonique de Laval); Betty Webster (Executive Director Emeritus of OC); and Katherine Carleton (Executive Director of OC).The 2008 winners (from west to east) are:

Pat Middleton, Regina SK

Pat Middleton is currently serving as Centennial Director of the Regina Symphony Orchestra (RSO) after 22 years on the administrative staff of the orchestra, for 17 of which she was the RSOĺ─˘s Executive Director. Under her leadership, the orchestra has established an enviable reputation as a financially stable and active ensemble, with a supportive audience, interesting programming and exceptional community partnerships. Speaking on behalf of the committee, Vicki Young cited Pat Middletonĺ─˘s ĺ─˙determination, warmth and passionĺ─¨ and noted the great admiration and affection in which she is held by her colleagues in the Canadian orchestral community. Pat Middleton was nominated for the award by RSO musician and personnel/production manager Stephen McLellan.

Mina Grossman Ianni, Windsor ON

Mina Grossman Ianni has recently stepped down from the staff team of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO), after 10 years with the orchestra, initially as Executive Director (1998-2001) and then as Director of Development. Due in no small part to her focus, determination and profound belief in what the orchestra could accomplish, during her tenure with the orchestra the WSO stabilized its financial position, expanded its budget, increased its concert schedule, and built a nationally-recognized education and community engagement program. Mina Grossman Ianni was nominated by current Windsor Symphony Executive Director Jeth Mill.

The New Brunswick Youth Orchestra, Province of New Brunswick

The New Brunswick Youth Orchestra (NBYO/OJNB) was founded in 1965 and provides young musicians throughout New Brunswick with the opportunity to build their musicianship by learning and performing orchestral music. The NBYO is made up of approximately 80 young musicians from all corners of the province, and their music director is Dr. James Mark. Theyĺ─˘ve had had a remarkable year in 2007-08, a season that has included a tour of China, a much-acclaimed performance at the East Coast Music Awards, an ECMA for Classical Recording of the Year, and a Dialogue Award from their provinceĺ─˘s Lieutenant Governor, saluting their commitment to operating in both official languages. The NBYO is a leader, continually seeking to improve access to performance and education opportunities for young musicians across New Brunswick. The NBYO was nominated for the award by the Chair of the Symphony New Brunswick Foundation, Reid Parker.

The award presentations will take place at concerts by the Regina Symphony, Windsor Symphony and New Brunswick Youth Orchestra in the fall of 2008. As OC Executive Director Katherine Carleton says, ĺ─˙it is an honour to be able to recognize these outstanding citizens of the Canadian orchestral community in front of the audiences theyĺ─˘ve served with such fidelity for so many years.ĺ─¨

Orchestras Canada will be at the forefront of advocacy and leadership development for Canadian orchestras, taking informed action for the benefit of orchestras and the communities they serve. OCĺ─˘s mission is to be the united national voice of the Canadian orchestral community, furthering and enriching the work of Canadian orchestras through programs and services in both official languages.

New music for international summer music festival

Calgary, AB ĺ─ý Throughout the thirty days of the Morningside Music Bridge festival, works by famous composers, such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Igor Stravinsky and Antonio Vivaldi will be performed at Mount Royal College and around the city.

But this year, newly-written music is also on the agenda. John Abram, an instructor at the Mount Royal Conservatory and music consultant for Morningside Music Bridge, has written a piece especially for the young musicians who will perform in the festivalĺ─˘s final gala, taking place July 31 at the EPCOR Centreĺ─˘s Martha Cohen Theatre, starting at 7 p.m.

ĺ─˙Every year Morningside Music Bridge invites really excellent young musicians from around the world to take part, and you can basically throw the most difficult pieces from the classical repertoire at them. My goal was to write a new piece for string orchestra that will challenge them in a different way, based on ensemble playing versus solo playing,ĺ─¨ says Abram.

The result is Pluck ĺţ─ a modern and fun composition of four movements. Abram describes the first movement as being very intense because of some unusual playing techniques that create a sense of tension; the second, he says, is very easy going at the beginning but becoming frenzied at the end; in the third movement, the music slows down and is quiet, featuring solo playing; the last movement follows without a break and is very fast and energetic, and rhythmically quite complicated.

Abram chose the title with equal deliberation. ĺ─˙At itĺ─˘s most basic, Pluck refers to the plucking of the strings, but I also wanted a name that reflects the gusty nature of the students and the courage it takes to follow a career path in music,ĺ─¨ Abram explains.

According to Paul Dornian, director of the Mount Royal Conservatory, Abramĺ─˘s piece is the first of many organizers hope to commission with other composers over the coming years. ĺ─˙We, along with the sponsors, decided that it is part of our responsibility to upcoming generations of performers to encourage engaging new works of music that complement the historical repertories of Brahms, Beethoven and Mozart.ĺ─¨

As for Abram, he hopes the students and audience will enjoy his work. ĺ─˙I had an absolute blast composing the piece and hope everyone who hears it becomes lost in the music.ĺ─¨

The Midwest premiere of a one-act fairy tale from the composer of Carmen

Sunday, August 3, 3:30 pm

Tuesday, August 5, 7:30 pm

Thursday, August 7, 7:30 pm

Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Street

Free admission

A little-known gem, this delightful opera follows the devoted, beautiful Djamileh in her quest to win over the blasłę young nobleman Haroun. The sparkling mosaics of Preston Bradley Hall and its newly restored Tiffany stained glass dome serve as the backdrop to this tale of love in an Egyptian palace.An opening performance of music for oud and percussion explores the sounds of the Turkish nobleman's court, setting the scene for an evocative evening.

Admission is free but tickets are required.Tickets (limit four per person) must be obtained in person at the Storefront Theater Box Office, 66 E. Randolph Street.Hours are noon Č˝ 6 pm, Tuesday Č˝ Saturday.A limited number of tickets will be available at the door on a first come, first served basis.For more information, call 312.742.TIXS.

Singers and instrumentalists discover or revisit musical works with othersat the readings. Musical Readings provide an excellent opportunity for allto improve their sight-reading, experience new works and most importantenjoy music making with others under the direction of some of Toronto'soutstanding music directors. New comers are always welcome. Students areinvited to attend free.

The Musical Readings are $10 for non-members. Music is provided at thereading. For further information call 416-421-0779, e-mail Toronto@cammac.caor visit our website www.cammac.ca

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

The NAC Orchestra performs in Thetford Mines

The NAC Orchestra performs on July 24 in Thetford Mines at łÔglise Saint-Alphonse

in honour of its 100thanniversary

Ottawa, Ontario ĺ─ýThe world-renowned National Arts Centre Orchestra will make its first-ever visit to Thetford Mines, Quebec, to perform a programme of Bach, Torelli, Mozart and Dvorł░k at the łÔglise Saint-Alphonse on Thursday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m. The concert is presented at the initiative of the Honorable Raymond Setlakwe in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Church. The NAC Orchestra will be led from the violin by concertmaster Yosuke Kawasaki and will feature Canadian soprano Karina Gauvin, NAC Orchestra principal trumpet Karen Donnelly and organist Thomas Annand.

Karen Donnelly and Thomas Annand will open the program with two short works for trumpet and organ ĺ─ý Handelĺ─˘s Overture from the Suite in D, and Canadian composer Gerald Balesĺ─˘ Elegy ĺ─ý to showcase the Churchĺ─˘s famous 21-one stop Casavant-Frł«res organ which, like the Church, dates back to 1908. Casavant-Frł«res completed a major restoration of the organ in 1998.

The award-winning soprano Karina Gauvin will perform Bachĺ─˘s Cantata No. 51 ĺ─˙Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen!ĺ─¨ which also features Karen Donnelly as trumpet soloist. It is one of the most popular of Bachĺ─˘s Cantatas and is infused with a mood of jubilation and glorification.

Yosuke Kawasaki will lead the NAC Orchestra in Torelliĺ─˘s ĺ─˙Christmas Concertoĺ─¨ (Concerto grosso in G minor); Mozartĺ─˘s delightful and high-spirited Divertimento in D major, and Dvorł░kĺ─˘sSerenade in E major for String Orchestra filled with ingratiating folk melodies and rhythmic verve.

The łÔglise Saint-Alphonse is located at 34, rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Thetford Mines. Tickets are $25 and are available in advance at the Boutique Casa Del Sol, 80 Notre Dame ouest, and on the night of the concert at the łÔglise Saint-Alphonse.

Canadaĺ─˘s National Arts Centre Orchestra

Consistent praise has followed Canadaĺ─˘s National Arts Centre Orchestra throughout its history of touring both nationally and internationally, recording, and commissioning Canadian works. Founded in 1969 as the resident orchestra of the newly opened National Arts Centre, it has been under the leadership of renowned conductor/ violinist/violist Pinchas Zukerman since 1998. The Orchestra continues to draw accolades both abroad and at its home in Ottawa where it gives over 100 performances a year. In addition to a full series of subscription concerts at the National Arts Centre each season, tours are undertaken to regions throughout Canada and around the world, most recently to Quebec in 2006.

Yosuke Kawasaki, National Arts Centre Orchestra concertmaster

Violinist Yosuke Kawasaki was named concertmaster of the National Arts Centre Orchestra in June 2007. His versatile musicianship allows him to pursue a wide-ranging career of solo, chamber music, and orchestral engagements. Winner of the 2004 S&R Washington Award, the 30-year-old virtuoso is also concertmaster of the Century Orchestra Osaka, and as co-concertmaster of the Mito Chamber Orchestra and Saito Kinen Orchestra in Japan. The latter two ensembles are both under the direction of Seiji Ozawa. He has been guest soloist with Aspen Chamber Symphony, Kyushu Philharmonic, and the Orquesta Filarmonica de Lima, as well as with the three Japanese orchestras of which he is concertmaster.

Karina Gauvin, soprano

Canadaĺ─˘s superstar soprano Karina Gauvin has impressed audiences and critics the world over with her luscious timbre, profound musicality and wide vocal range. Her repertoire ranges from the music of Johann Sebastian Bach to Luciano Berio and she has sung with many major orchestras. On the operatic or concert stage, she has performed with conductors as diverse as Charles Dutoit, Kent Nagano and Helmuth Rilling. A prolific recording artist with nineteen releases to her credit, Karina Gauvin has had many Juno Award nominations winning the Award in 2001 and 2003. Gauvinĺ─˘s outstanding performances have been recognized in prestigious competitions worldwide.

Karen Donnelly, principal trumpet, National Arts Centre Orchestra

Karen Donnelly was appointed Principal Trumpet of the National Arts Centre Orchestra in October 1999 following three successful seasons as Acting Principal Trumpet. A native of Regina, Saskatchewan, Karen had performed with premier ensembles such as the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Les Violons du Roy and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens Orchestra before becoming Principal Trumpet of Orchestra London (Canada). She is a member of the Rideau Lakes Brass Quintet and Capital BrassWorks in Ottawa. The latter ensemble recently released its third CD featuring Ms. Donnelly as soloist. Karen Donnelly has been featured as trumpet soloist with the NAC Orchestra on several occasions.

Thomas Annand, organ

Thomas Annand has been delighting both audiences and critics alike with his many-faceted talents as organist, harpsichordist and conductor. After winning First Prize at the RCCO National Organ Competition in 1987, Mr. Annand embarked on a solo career on organ and harpsichord. Since then he has given recitals across Canada, the USA and Europe, has been featured on CBC and NPR, and has recorded several discs. He is the organist and harpsichordist for the NAC Orchestra and Thirteen Strings, appearing with both as soloist; co-founder and conductor of Capital BrassWorks, and Director of Music at St. Andrew's Church in Ottawa.

Montreal, July 3, 2008 ĺ─ý Jazz violinist and composer Mireille Proulx will be giving two concerts in the Maritime provinces in the month of August: on the 8th at the Barachois Historical Church in New Brunswick as part of the series ĺ─˙łÔtłę Musical,ĺ─¨ and on the 9th at St. Maryĺ─˘s Church in Kensington on Prince Edward Island as part of the Indian River Festival.

Described as unclassifiable and overflowing with talent, Mireille Proulx puts her rock-solid classical training at the service of jazz, to which she brings an elegance and irreproachable taste. Her compositions deliver a music that is by turns sensual, daring, contemplative and impassioned.

The program will consist of excerpts from three remarkable albums that have delighted the public and critics alike ĺ─ý Il y avait des płęlicans, Infini rendez-vous and Le Jardin de Nuit ĺ─ý in addition to new works.

Mireille Proulx will be accompanied on the piano by John Sadowy.

The Barachois Historical Church is located at 1350 Route 133 in Grand Barachois, New Brunswick.

For information: Normand Robichaud, director, 506-532-2976

St. Maryĺ─˘s Church is located on Route 104 in Kensington, Prince Edward Island.

Information: 902-836-4933; 1-866-856-3733

The concert on the 8th begins at 8 p.m., the concert on the 9th at 2:30 p.m.

Shaw Festival: Mrs Warren's Profession Previews

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, July 8, 2008 ĺ─Â Previews began on Sunday in the Festival Theatre for the Shaw Festivalĺ─˘s production of Bernard Shawĺ─˘s still provocative Mrs Warrenĺ─˘s Profession, directed by Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell.

Shawĺ─˘s story of the ultimate test of a mother-daughter relationship is one of his most enduring and best-loved plays. Mrs Kitty Warren (Mary Haney) has worked hard to provide for her daughter Vivie (Moya Oĺ─˘Connell), to give her the genteel upbringing she never had. Now that Vivie is about to embark on her own career, Mrs Warren decides that it is time for her feminist daughter to finally learn the truth about her motherĺ─˘s profession. The shocking news sets the stage for a battle royal between mother and daughter about sex, love, money and morality.

The brilliant, high-stakes battles of Shawĺ─˘s women in this 1893 play reflect struggles of women and of society that still resonate today. With his frank discussion of prostitution, Shaw angered critics and censors so much with Mrs Warrenĺ─˘s Profession that it was banned from performance in England for many years and actors were arrested at its first performance in New York. Never one to shy away from controversy, Shaw wrote of the play in a letter, ĺ─˙Ah, when I wrote that, I had some nerve.ĺ─¨ Ultimately, however, at the heart of Shawĺ─˘s provocative social commentary is a complex and moving story of a mother and a daughter.

Once again Ms. Maxwell teams up with designer Sue LePage. Last season the two worked together on another of Shawĺ─˘s searing social and political commentaries, Saint Joan, which was hailed by audiences and critics alike.

The cast of Mrs Warrenĺ─˘s Profession also includes Andrew Bunker as Frank Gardner, Benedict Campbell as Sir George Crofts, David Jansen as Praed and Ric Reid as Reverend Samuel Gardner, as well as Esther Maloney and Jonathan Widdifield.

Lighting for Mrs Warrenĺ─˘s Profession is designed by Kevin Lamotte and original music is composed by Ryan deSouza. The stage management team includes Stage Manager Allan Teichman and Assistant Stage ManagerBarry Burns.

Mrs Warrenĺ─˘s Profession began preview performances Sunday, July 6; opens Friday, July 18; and plays in repertory until Saturday, November 1. For tickets and information, visit www.shawfest.com or call 1-800-511-7429 or 905-468-2172 (local).

Mrs Warrenĺ─˘s Profession is sponsored by Zenith Insurance Company.

The 2008 season is proudly presented by HSBC Bank Canada/HSBC Bank USA, N.A.

Saul Rubinek and Pinchas Zukerman perform Through Roses July 15-16 at the Canadian War Museum:

Saul Rubinek and Pinchas Zukerman perform Marc Neikrugĺ─˘sThrough RosesJuly 15-16 at the Canadian War Museum:

A riveting music-drama of a Holocaust survivor

Ottawa, Canada - Through Roses, a music-drama by composer Marc Neikrug that is certain to move audiences, will be performed for the first time in Ottawa by Canadian actor Saul Rubinek, violinist Pinchas Zukerman and an ensemble of seven musicians on Tuesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 16 at 7:30 pm at the Barney Danson Theatre of the Canadian War Museum. NAC Orchestra Music Director Pinchas Zukerman has long wished to bring this meaningful story to Ottawa.

Through Roses was written by Marc Neikrug in 1980 and there have now been over 500 performances in 15 countries in 11 languages. The role of the Holocaust survivor once destined to become a great artist will be played by acclaimed Canadian star of stage and screen Saul Rubinek, the son of Holocaust survivors who began his career in Ottawa before going on to appear in such movies as The Contender, Nixon, True Romance, Unforgiven, Wall Street, Bonfire of the Vanities, Against All Odds, and Sweet Liberty, and TV such as a recurring role on Frasier. Violinist Zukerman, born in Israel to Holocaust survivors, interprets the violin part composed with him in mind by composer-pianist Marc Neikrug, Zukermanĺ─˘s longtime recital partner. There are seven other stellar musicians in the ensemble which will be conducted by Marc Neikrug.

As heartbreaking recollections of concentration camp scenes unfold, music and words merge to evoke emotions that will remain with audiences for a long time.Neikrug, who wrote the text as well as the score, says: ĺ─˙During World War II there were musicians in Hitlerĺ─˘s death camps who were kept alive in order to perform. They were made to play marches every morning and evening for the work details leaving and returning to the camp.ĺ─Â The foundation of all spirituality and elevated humanity in music lies, for me, in the great German tradition. Playing that music in those camps represents a grotesque paradox.ĺ─¨

Through Roses is a unique collaboration between the National Arts Centre Orchestra and the Canadian War Museum in conjunction with Deadly Medicine: Creating the Master Race, an exhibition organized and circulated by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Tickets are $24 and are available at the NAC or Museum Box Office for the July 15 & 16 performances.

Rwandan genocide benefit - McGill Students in Kigali

RWANDAN TUTSI GENOCIDE SURVIVOR, NOW MCGILL LAW STUDENT,

TO SPEAK AT BENEFIT CONCERT IN SUPPORT OF WOMENĺ─˘S COLLECTIVE

Montreal ĺ─ý July 3, 2008

25 year-old survivor of the Tutsi genocide in Rwanda, and human rights activist, Eloge Christian Butera, will speak at a benefit concert on Wednesday July 9 at Centre St-Ambroise (5080-A St. Ambroise). The event will raise funds for Tubahumarize, a womenĺ─˘s collective based in Kigali, Rwanda.

ĺ─˙This event will provide assistance for a generation of women in Rwanda who are working to overcome the struggles they face in life post-genocide. The collective works with women in the community through capacity building and skills developmentĺ─¨ Butera explains.

Tubahumarize was founded by Buteraĺ─˘s mother, Jeanne Mwiliriza, to provide trauma counseling and support to widows and orphans of the genocide. Since then, the collective has grown to help hundreds of women and children escape domestic violence. It is now following the example set by Bangladeshi Nobel Laureate, Mohammad Yunus, by expanding its income-generating activities and providing micro-credit to women.

The fundraiser is the brainchild of sisters Helen and Anita Nowak, who plan to visit Kigali later this month as volunteers for Tubahumarize. ĺ─˙We want to arrive with a cheque for at least $5000 to demonstrate our solidarity with Rwandan women who seek freedom from oppression,ĺ─¨ says Helen, also a McGill law student.

ĺ─¨The idea was spawned last fall after hearing Esther Mujawayo, another survivor, give a testimonial at the Global Conference on the Prevention of Genocide hosted by McGill (http://efchr.mcgill.ca/ConferenceOrganisers_en.php?menu=14). Her words were a clarion call to action for me, as I couldnĺ─˘t escape thinking, ĺ─˛If I am not part of the solution, then Iĺ─˘m part of the problem,ĺ─¨ adds Anita, a doctoral student at McGill, who also works as a professional fundraiser for The Study, a girlsĺ─˘ school in Westmount.

The benefit concert will take place from 5:30-7:30pm and will include musical performances by Isabelle Metwalli, Scott McLeod and Dana Salter & Band. The venue is proudly sponsored by the McAuslan Brewery.

Butera is confident the event will be a success: ĺ─˙This concert will raise much needed funds for an incredibly worthwhile cause.ĺ─¨

Suggested donations at the door are $20 for students and $50 for non-students. All are welcome.

For more information, please contact Helen Nowak at helennowak@yahoo.com or (514) 515-3707 or Anita Nowak at anowak@thestudy.qc.ca or (514) 966-4740.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Digital Only Disc For Angł«le Dubeau

ĺ─˙I lived in Romania from 1981 to 1984, studying in Bucharest with the renowned master Stefan Gheorghiu. It was, under Ceausescuĺ─˘s regime, three years of hardship so musically rewarding !

I discovered that Romanians could freely convey their feelings through their music. Actually, it was their only way to have some freedom of expression: festive music, dancing music, music from the heart.

Violin has been the instrument of choice for the persecuted throughout history: easy to carry, easy to hide. I am thinking of the Jewish people for whom the violin has been such an important component of Klezmer music. But most of all, my heart is with the Romany who know so well how to make their violin cry.

I learnt to make my violin cry, dance and sing during my years spent in Eastern Europe. It is therefore a real pleasure for me to share that Gypsy passion, and express the profound emotions and human feelings associated with this extraordinary music.

The digital era enables me to assemble this repertoire plus an uncommon rendition of 5 Brahmsĺ─˘ Hungarian dances coupled with a Lisztĺ─˘s Rhapsody. This PietłŢ montage had no title to begin with so I asked my public to give me its suggestions for one. I received hundred of replies. I chose the proposal of a great man, a friend, Frłędłęrik Back and its ĺ─˙Hongroiseriesĺ─¨!

Gypsies is now available for download, exclusively on digital format.ĺ─¨

The April 18 concert features Jean Sibelius' Finlandia and Symphony No. 2and David Bowser's Songs of the Great Land with soloists, Melanie Conly,soprano and Calvin Powell, baritone.

The subscription season ends June 6 with the NYCO Music Festival winnersperforming concerto movements. The concert will also feature works byBrahms, Wagner, Verdi, Bizet and Puccini.

In addition to the subscription series, the orchestra will present aChristmas Choral Concert on Saturday December 13, 3 p.m. The concert willfeature excerpts from Handel's Messiah and a selection of holiday carols. Children under 12 are Free (donations gratefully accepted).

Subscription tickets are Adults $70 and seniors and Students $50. Individualtickets are adults $20 and seniors and students $15.For tickets and information call 416-628-9195 or e-mail info@nyco.on.ca.

Montrłęal, July 4, 2008 ĺ─ý The Chłóteau Ramezay Museum invites you to The Mysterious World of the Deep Sea conference on July 12, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. as part of the exhibit Here Be Monsters. This conference is presented by Mr. Nelson Cazeils.

Sea monsters have always captivated us, whether they be fantastical creatures, like mermaids and the Great Sea-Snake, or real sea monsters, like the giant squid or the sperm-whale, both of which are known ship sinkers.

Mr. Nelson Cazeils will host the conference and show that, despite what science says, sea monsters are more alive than ever. Myths, legends, and hoaxes are forever mixed with reality.

The Mysterious World of the Deep Sea conference is included in the admission price.

The Chłóteau Ramezay Museum is located right in the heart of Old-Montreal, next to the Champ-de-Mars metro station and the Place Jacques-Cartier, facing Montreal's City Hall.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

ReggaeFest 5 - Red, White and Dread

Calgary Reggae Festival Society

Canadian Reggae Music Summit and Showcase

CALGARY, AlbertaFriday, July 4, 2008.....REGGAEFEST 5 - Best of the Fest

In addition to the vibrant line up of solid Reggae artistes performing at REGGAEFEST 5-Best of the Fest, the Calgary Reggae Festival Society announces Red, White and Dread - Canadian Reggae Music Summit and Showcase August 14-15. Now in its 5th year, REGGAFEST 5 is proud to present two days of Canadian Reggae entertainment and culture with the first ever showcase of its kind in Western Canada.

There is no other music that has impacted the globe greater than Reggae and some of the hottest music blazin' fire across the world has come from Canadian Reggae artistes. The Calgary Reggae Festival Society's aim is to enhance people's knowledge and awareness of the Canadian Reggae Industry through this exciting Summit. Reggae artistes, producers, musicians, DJ's and other industry professionals across Canada will come together for a two-day Summit, showcasing workshops, performances and a panel discussion.

"What we are hoping to do is to create an environment where people from the Reggae Fraternity can discuss the pertinent issues that Canadian Reggae needs to take it to the next level" says festival Producer Leo Cripps, "..and even though the focus is on Reggae, all genres of music can benefit from the summit."

On Thursday, August 14th Red, White and Dread invades the red mile with a live music showcase at the Ship & Anchor Pub (534-17th Avenue SW). Be prepared to groove to the sounds of Canada's top artistes, including Steele and Mikey Dangerous and local Reggae princess Bianca. Lynn Olagundoye & Guerrilla Funk Allstars and Aktivate will round out the artiste line up for Thursday night. Preceding the Showcase there will be a presentation by Canadian writer Klive Walker entitled 'Reggae within the Canadian Diaspora' - an interactive journey through Canadian Reggae over the last 40 years.

Olympic Plaza in downtown Calgary will be the backdrop for Red, White and Dread on Friday, August 15th with artiste performances and presentations. This event will run from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm and will feature the sights and sounds of Spirit of World Drumming and Oral Fuentes Reggae Band. Don't miss out on a special dub poetry workshop and presentation from Michael St. George followed by a Summit/Panel discussion with the Reggae Industry greats. RnR Sound will fill downtown with some sweet Reggae vibes throughout the day.

Admission for Red, White and Dread - Canadian Reggae Music Summit and Showcase, August 14-15 is free.

The Main Event on August 16 will wrap up REGGAEFEST 5 with 12 hours of non-stop family friendly Reggae entertainment featuring Maxi Priest, Tinga Stewart, Jason Wilson, La Comuna and many more. Activities throughout the day will include an interactive youth area, food and craft vendors and the Big Rock Beer Garden.

Tickets for the Main Event are on sale now online at www.ticketweb.ca and at all Calgary Coop food centres.

~~ You are receiving e-mails from the Calgary Reggae Festival Society (CRFS) as you have expressed an interest in the Calgary International Reggae Festival and Reggae music in Canada. If you do not wish to receive regular messages from the CRFS please unsubscribe. ~~

Hold the dates: Of Mice and Men, Montreal Theatre Ensemble- August 29-Sept. 13

Hold the Dates!

Montreal Theatre Ensemble

Presents

Of Mice and Men

By George Steinbeck

Directed by Terry Donald

Mark these dates in your late summer calendar

Thursday, August 28Č˝ Saturday, September 13, 2008

Of Mice and Men, by Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck, tells the heartrending story of George Milton and Lennie Small, two displaced migrantranch workers in Great Depression-era California.

The Montreal Theatre Ensemble (MTE) is a young, dynamic company dedicated to providing quality work experience for professionally trained, emerging theatre artists. Originally formed by graduates of the John Abbott College Theatre Program, MTE now serves a new generation of young professionals from various accredited theatre programs.Previous productions include A View from the Bridge, Our Country's Good and The Woolgatherer.

Suzie LeBlanc and Daniel Taylor at the TSMF

Acclaimed Soloists LeBlanc and Taylor to Perform at Toronto Summer Music Festival

Suzie LeBlanc and Daniel Taylor add star power to TSMF

Internationally renowned soprano SUZIE LEBLANC and countertenor DANIEL TAYLOR will appear at the TORONTO SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL in a performance entitled In the Fire of Conflict, which highlights repertoire from Venice's Baroque and Classical periods. The concert takes place at 8:00 pm on Saturday, July 26, 2008, at the MacMillan Theatre, University of Toronto, Faculty of Music

In the Fire of Conflict features musical selections by composers who were based in-or passed through-Venice during the 17th and 18th Centuries, including Cavalli's La Calisto, the haunting final duet from Monteverdi's L'Incoronazione di Poppea, and rarely performed Italian instrumental music. Beyond these, the concert will include works by Handel, whose music, particularly his love duets, often reached the pinnacle of dramatic expression. Handel's duets will be brought to passionate life by the fiery pair of LeBlanc and Taylor, reunited by the Toronto Summer Music Festival and supported by the brilliant new early music ensemble Theatre of Early Music.

Dazzling Canadian soloists, LeBlanc and Taylor have earned respect and praise from critics both at home and abroad. The Times UK refers to Taylor's "visionary eloquence", while Gramophone magazine calls his direction "deeply moving and profoundly honest". LeBlanc's most recent appearance near Toronto was praised by John Terauds of the Toronto Star: "Her clear, bell-like soprano positively rangČńHer impeccable phrasing rose and swelledČńThe elocution was as bright as sunlightČń"

In the Fire of Conflict, featuring soprano Suzie LeBlanc and countertenor Daniel Taylor, takes place at 8:00 pm on Saturday, July 26, 2008, at the MacMillan Theatre, University of Toronto, Faculty of Music as part of the Toronto Summer Music Festival. In its third year, the TSMF is a month-long celebration of music and music making, enlivening the summer by bringing some of the finest musicians in the classical world to the heart of Toronto.

This concert replaces the Ensemble Clłęment Janequin, which was scheduled to perform in a concert entitled Parisian Chansons of the Renaissance. Unforeseen circumstances have led the Parisian vocal group to forego its presence at the 2008 Festival. Tickets purchased for Ensemble Clłęment Janequin will be honoured for entry to the new concert or may be refunded at the point of purchase. Toronto Summer Music apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this substitution.

Timothy McGee, Ph.D., will give a lecture prior to the concert at 6:45 pm in Room 330 of the Edward Johnson Building. Entitled Painting with Music: Battles, Birds, and Babbling Brooks, the concert will offer a glimpse at some of the attempts composers have made over the centuries to conjure up a variety of vivid images by using musical sounds.

TORONTO SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL

July 22 - August 17, 2008

In the Fire of Conflict: Suzie LeBlanc & Daniel Taylor: Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 8pm

LES GRANDS BALLETS CANADIENS DE MONTRłÔAL

TO CONQUER PARIS FROM JULY 21 TO AUGUST 9, 2008

Montrłęal, July 2, 2008 ĺ─ţ The countdown has begun for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montrłęal, which is feverishly preparing for its visit to the Les łętłęs de la dansede Paris festival. Thirty-four years after the stunning success of Tommy in 1974, the company's long-awaited return to the French capital will occur as part of the official events the celebration of Qułębec City's 400th anniversary. From July21 to August 9, Paris will move to the beat of Qułębec!

"Youth, passion, the cultural diversity of the dancers, their artistic quality and the eclecticism of their choreographic choices are all elements that led me to choose Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montrłęal as the guest company for Les łętłęs de la danse," says event Director Valłęry Colin. "I am certain that Paris will give Les Grands the welcome that such a strong international company deserves."

Following in the footsteps of the San Francisco Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ballet Nacional de Cuba ĺ─ţ respectively guest artists of the festival's last three editions ĺ─ţ Les Grands Ballets, under its Artistic Director Gradimir Pankov, will fly our country's colours at the Grand Palais. The company will give a total of 16 performances in three different programs that bring together the recent creations in its repertoire by Ohad Naharin, Didy Veldman, Stijn Celis, Jirłé Kylił░n and Mauro Bigonzetti. In so doing, the company will underscore its raison d'łütre: to introduce the public (approximately 45,000 spectators attend Les łętłęs de la danse!) to new facets of contemporary ballet in all its diversity. A number of these works will premił«re in France on this occasion.

Minus One by Ohad Naharin, a phenomenal hit in the Grands Ballets repertoire since its premił«re in 2002, will open the gala on July 21. This frenzied patchwork of dance and performance, featuring song, movement and cabaret, showcases the incredible variety of the renowned Israeli choreographer's style. Parisian audiences won't fail to catch his contagious enthusiasm! Performances will take place at 9:30 p.m.onJuly 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26.

The second program comprises TooT, Noces and Six Dances. TooT, a piece for 15 dancers by Dutch choreographer Veldman, was inspired by Shostakovich's Suite No 2 for jazz bands. With a humorous and derisive tone, Veldman poses questions about identity and the relationships between the individual and society. Noces was created by Belgian choreographer Celis to the enchanting notes of Stravinsky. This delirious Balkan country wedding, which calls on the talents of 24 performers, takes a critical look at the institution of marriage. Six Dances, by Kylił░n, choreographed for eight dancers to the piece Six German Dances by Mozart, is, according to Kylił░n, "an absurd poetic flood in six acts," whose humour should "point out the relativity of our values." The three choreographies will be performed at 9:30 p.m. on July 29, 30 and 31, and August 1 and 2.

The third program includes The Four Seasons and Cantata by Italian choreographer Bigonzetti. With The Four Seasons, created in 2007 for Les Grands Ballets and set to the widely known music of Vivaldi, Bigonzetti has carried off the challenge of expressing something different through pieces that have been interpreted thousands of times, bringing forth "people's internal seasons, our states of mind and our changes of mind." Lastly,Cantata,commissioned by Ballet Gulbenkian in 2001, was added to the Grands Ballets repertoire last year. With traditional music from southern Italy, performed live by the singers of Gruppo Musicale Assurd, Cantata uses instinctive, vital dance to explore the multiple facets of relations between men and women. The piece is passionately Mediterranean! Performances take place at 9:30 p.m. on August5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.

Surrounding Les Grands Ballets

Satellite activities showcasing various aspects of contemporary Qułębec creative work will take place every day the company performs at the Grand Palais, starting at 7 p.m., with the support of the Government of Qułębec. The public will be able to discover Occidents,a photographicinstallation by photographer, sculptor and conceptual artist Jocelyne Alloucherie. Throughout the festival, Les Grand Ballets' performances will be followed by DJ/VJ "after-shows." From July 21 to 26, the Elektra international digital arts festival will feature DJ/VJ performances by Montrłęal artists Baya (Jean-Słębastien Baillat, DJ and VJ), Euterke (Jean-Franł▀ois Dumouchel, DJ and VJ), Poison Arrow (Alain Thibault, DJ), DelRay (Mathew Biederman, VJ) and Soul Sista (Marie-France Paquin, DJ). From July 21 to 23, they will be accompanied by Les Cubes volants, an arts and new technologies performance by artist, architect and designer Nicolas Reeves, made up of three flying cubes, or "aerobots," upon which VJs will project video images in real time and to which spectators can send text messages using a Palmtop or cellular phone. From July 27 until the Festival ends on August 9, Soul Sistawill take over the after-show events with a panorama program of Qułębec music and song created especially for this occasion.

Gala

His Excellency Marc Lortie, Ambassador of Canada, and Wilfrid-Guy Licari, Qułębec's Delegate General in Paris, will serve as Honorary Chairs of a gala evening to mark the Grands Ballets premił«re and the Festival opening on July 21, to be attended by Christine Saint-Pierre, Qułębec Minister of Culture, Communications and the Status of Women.

Classes for the public

The dancers of Les Grands Ballets will also give six classes open to the public at 3 p.m. on July 23, 26 and 30 and August 2, 6 and 9.

Supporting partners and organizations

Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montrłęal is pleased to be associated with the following prestigious partners: GE Capital Solutions, production and opening gala sponsor; Air Canada, official carrier; the Ministł«re du Tourisme du Qułębec, evening sponsor; and Global Jump, opening gala partner. Les Grands is also benefiting from the generous cooperation of the Canadian Embassy and the Dłęlłęgation głęnłęrale du Qułębec in Paris.

Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montrłęal enjoys the financial support of the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Qułębec, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Conseil des arts de Montrłęal, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada and Heritage Canada.

The company would like to thank the Ministł«re de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition fłęminine du Qułębec and the Ministł«re des Relations internationales du Qułębec for their special support.